In the lead up to the GIANTS' clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, we’ve examined some of the key statistical components that could influence the match.

Wonderful Wilba – Will Hoskin-Elliott had a match to remember when he last faced the Western Bulldogs. The exciting forward had 15 disposals, six marks and kicked five goals to help his side get over the line. Tall target James Stewart also kicked a career-high three goals. Jeremy Cameron, who is leading the GIANTS’ goal-kicking this season (26 goals) missed the match through injury.

Tackling Pressure – The Western Bulldogs are leading the competition in tackles, averaging 77 per game compared with the GIANTS who are ranked 14th, averaging 61 tackles per game. The Bulldogs have three players ranked inside the Top 20 in the AFL for tackles (Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Picken and Marcus Bontempelli). Leading the way for the GIANTS is intimidating ruckman Shane Mumford who averages nearly seven tackles per game.

Leading the League – The GIANTS are leading the league in handballs (1461) and bounces (133) which results in a fast-paced brand of football. The Western Bulldogs are ranked last in the league for ‘least opponent handballs’ per game. The GIANTS are also third in the league for disposal efficiency (75.2%) while the Western Bulldogs are ranked 12th (71.8%).

Griffen Good Get – Over the off-season the GIANTS traded forward Tom Boyd for Ryan Griffen and Pick Six in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft. When the sides last met it was Griffen who left a lasting impression, amassing a huge 38 touches, six marks, 5 tackles and a goal. This time around he will be wearing different colours. Griffen has attracted close attention from opposition taggers this season, freeing up the likes of Adam Treloar and Dylan Shiel to play their natural games.

Three Weeks to Remember/ Forget – It’s been a contrasting three weeks for both the GIANTS and Western Bulldogs. The GIANTS have recorded a hat-trick of wins over Carlton, Hawthorn and Adelaide while the Bulldogs have lost three on the trot to St Kilda, Fremantle and Melbourne. The GIANTS currently sit 4th on the AFL ladder while the Bulldogs have dropped to 11th.

Last Time They Met – It was a tight contest in Round 23 last year, but the GIANTS snuck across the line by 6 points thanks to Devon Smith who scored from 60m in the dying stages. Toby Greene had 32 disposals while Will Hoskin-Elliott kicked five goals. Former Bulldog (now GIANT) Ryan Griffen was awarded the three Brownlow votes.