On the eve of the GIANTS’ first meeting with Melbourne in over a year, it’s important to take a look at the stats that matter ahead of Saturday’s clash in Canberra. 

The Demons have been one of the most improved sides in 2017 and are looking to push for their first finals appearance since 2006. 

Their last month has been indifferent, winning two games and losing two. However, those losses have been close and that’s down to their fast ball movement by hand.

Over the past month they’ve averaged the most handballs in the AFL with 194.8 a month (they’re also first in average handballs per game in 2017) and lead the competition for stoppages per game (74). 

Melbourne don’t play on too often from marks, due to their love for a quick release handball. Over the past month they’ve played on from marks just 39.5 per cent of the time. 

The GIANTS, in contrast, are the number one side for kicking over the last month and sit second in the league for stoppages with 72.8 per game.

It’s also the top two teams over the past month at clearances going head to head on Saturday. The GIATNS are first in the competition while Melbourne are just behind in second spot. 

Melbourne have been very strong when it comes to their defensive pressure, not only do they have a high reliance on keeping it inside their forward half but they’re second in the competition over the last month for forward half turnovers.

48 per cent of the Demons’ scores have come from these turnovers with their attacking midfield taking full advantage. 

Melbourne’s attacking midfielders have also benefited from the return of ruckman Max Gawn. The All Australian has taken his side from 15th for hit outs to advantage in 2017 (-1.9) to fourth over the last month (+3).

It’ll be an intriguing battle between Gawn and Shane Mumford with the GIANTS rank first in the AFL over the last month for hit-outs to advantage at +6.5.

The GIANTS take on Melbourne in the nation’s capital on Saturday at 1:45pm at UNSW Canberra Oval. Click here for tickets.