With another crucial four points on the line this Saturday afternoon, let’s take a look at the stats that matter ahead of the GIANTS’ clash with Essendon at Spotless Stadium.

One thing that’s yet to come up in the Stats that Matter this year are the statisitics that surround the kick in from full back. 

While the kicks from Heath Shaw and Nathan Wilson don’t count to their stats (much to the ire of Shaw, Wilson and millions of fantasy football coaches) they do have a great impact on the game. 

The GIANTS lead the AFL in points from kick ins this month, averaging 10 points per game, while Essendon have also been effective from full back, ranked third, scoring six points per game. 

Both teams look to go coast to coast from defensive fifty with differing effectiveness. The GIANTS moving the ball end to end successfully 23.6% of the time (Ranked seventh) but Essendon only do it 18.8% (Ranked 15th).

The GIANTS and the Bombers both score quite well after clearing it from defensive 50, even if coast to coast doesn’t always work. 

The home side is ranked fourth in the AFL for total percentage of points kicked from D50 clearances over the past month (22.3%), while the visitors are ranked third (20%).

Essendon have dominated possession over the past month which is why they managed to beat West Coast and Geelong.

They rank at least fourth in the following areas, disposal difference, uncontested possessions, uncontested marks, total marks and short kicks.

Despite being able to get their hands on the ball, the Bombers have struggled to win the clearances over the past month, ranked 17^th in the competition for clearance differential (-5.2 per game).

In contrast the second placed GIANTS are third in the AFL for clearances differential averaging +6.2 more than their opposition per game.

The GIANTS take on Essendon at Spotless Stadium on Saturday June 3 at 4.35pm with Kids in Free every game day. Click here to get your tickets now.