SUMMARY
The GIANTS could welcome the return of co-captain Phil Davis (concussion) for their clash with the Bombers, after North Melbourne key forwards Ben Brown and Jarrad Waite got hold of the visitors and combined for nine goals last week. The home side is also struggling at the other end of the ground, with star Toby Greene (foot) missing, Jeremy Cameron only just going, and Jon Patton dropped to the NEAFL. After a week of bashing from the media, Essendon stunned Geelong last week and played the footy most predicted would be its norm in 2018, but the bigger challenge now is to back it up against the GIANTS on the road. John Worsfold's men have a terrible record away from home but if they hope to resurrect the season, they must topple the GIANTS at Spotless. A fourth straight loss will leave the GIANTS in danger of slipping out of reach of the top eight, so it's a massive game for both teams.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, May 26, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R11, 2017, GIANTS 18.9 (117) d Essendon 15.11 (101) at Spotless Stadium
R13, 2016, GIANTS 17.15 (117) d Essendon 12.18 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2015, GIANTS 14.9 (93) d Essendon 8.13 (61) at Spotless Stadium
R12, 2014, Essendon 11.15 (81) d GIANTS 9.12 (66) at Spotless Stadium
R17, 2013, Essendon 18.8 (116) d GIANTS 11.11 (77) at Spotless Stadium
THE FIVE POINTS
1. Josh Kelly was the star when these sides played last year with 38 disposals, 10 tackles, 10 inside 50s and a goal.
2. A big advantage for the GIANTS could be in the clearances. They are averaging 37 per game compared to the Bombers’ 33.9. In centre clearances, the GIANTS average is 11.7 and Essendon’s 10.9.
3. The GIANTS have had the better of the Bombers recently - Essendon won the first four clashes between the sides and the GIANTS have won the past three.
4. The teams have played five times at Spotless Stadium with three wins to two in the Bombers’ favour; but not in their favour is their recent interstate record of 12 losses from their past 14 matches.
5. Another loss for the GIANTS would be their fourth in a row, which they haven’t done since rounds 17-20 in 2014. Essendon will be aiming for consecutive wins for the first time since rounds 22-23 last season.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Former GIANTS forward Devon Smith will face his old side for the first time since he walked out last year, and it's sure to be a big night for the original GIANT. He's been one of few Bombers to play consistent footy this year and his defensive work in the midfield will be crucial.
PREDICTION: GIANTS by 11 points
