Before we head to Simonds Stadium for this week’s big clash, check out some of the key stats which could influence the game between the Cats and the GIANTS.

While sitting in third on the AFL ladder, it’s also statistically that Geelong are up there amongst the best teams in the competition.

The Cats are number one for contested marks, number one for going from centre bounce to inside 50, number one for uncontested marks in the forward 50 and number two for marks per inside 50.

They are also the number one fourth-quarter team with nine wins and a draw from their 10 matches this season.

Personnel-wise, they’re a very good contested ball team on the back of the recruitment of Patrick Dangerfield.

Mark Blivcas has also continued his rapid rise in his fourth year in the AFL and is number one for third man up at stoppages.

The Cats’ dominance inside-50 comes off the back of key forward Tom Hawkins who is number one for one-on-one contest wins and second in the AFL for marks inside 50 with 37 for the year.

The GIANTS are ranked last for tackles in 2016 with an average of 62.3 per game while the Cats are equal-third averaging 74.2.

This will be a contest between two of the higher scoring sides in 2016. The GIANTS are ranked second, averaging 109 points per game, and the Cats are fourth with 105 points per match.

The GIANTS were too strong for the Cats in most areas in round two, winning the disposals (393-345), inside 50s (56-48), clearances (39-26) and contested possessions (148-126).

But it was 2012 the last time the GIANTS ventured to the Simonds Stadium, for a 65-point loss in their inaugural season.

So far this year the Cats are undefeated at home in Geelong, beating the Lion by 69, the Suns by 120 and the Eagles by 44. 

The GIANTS travel to Geelong to take on the Cats on Saturday afternoon at Simonds Stadium.