In the lead up to the GIANTS' clash with North Melbourne at Spotless Stadium we’ve examined some key statistics that might be of interest.

Double Debutants – The GIANTS have named two debutants for the their clash with the Kangaroos, with midfielder Jack Steele and defender Caleb Marchbank set to play their first game. The last time the GIANTS fielded two debutants in the same game was against Sydney in Round 1, 2013 (Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Plowman). The GIANTS are the last team to field a debutant in 2015, with all other clubs blooding at least one new player. Only 10 teams in AFL/VFL history have gone later into a season before debuting someone.

Home Advantage – To this point of the 2015 season the GIANTS are undefeated at home, clocking wins against Melbourne and Gold Coast at StarTrack Oval in Canberra along with Hawthorn, Adelaide and Brisbane at Spotless Stadium. The Kangaroos last visited Spotless Stadium in Round 23, 2012 and recorded a 28-point win.

Disposal Difference – Ranked 4th in total disposals this season, expect the GIANTS to use their pace and link through the midfield with handballs. The man doing the most damage is Dylan Shiel who is leading the GIANTS’ disposal count with an average of 29.1 per match. Shiel is having a memorable season, ranked 5th in the league for touches. The Kangaroos, who are ranked 12th for disposals per game, are more likely to play long and direct.

Covering Mummy – Intimidating ruckman Shane Mumford will miss the rest of the season after injuring his ankle last week against Collingwood. The GIANTS have a number of options to help cover his impact including Andrew Phillips, Rory Lobb and Tom Downie who have all been performing well in the NEAFL. Lobb (2 games) is expected to shoulder most of the ruck work this week against Todd Goldstein who is second in the competition for hit-outs, averaging just over 40 per game.

Glorious Greene – Midfielder Toby Greene loves playing against North Melbourne and has been the leading GIANTS disposal getter in three of the last four matches against the Kangaroos. He averages a total of 32.25 touches against North Melbourne, while his career average is 25.7  With the inclusion of debutant Jack Steele, Greene could find himself playing more through the midfield this week after spending some time up forward this season.

Last Time They Met – When the GIANTS and North Melbourne last crossed paths in Round 20, 2014 it was the Kangaroos who claimed bragging rights, running away to a 75-point victory at StarTrack Oval in Canberra. Toby Greene had 35 touches while  Drew Petrie kicked five goals.