In the lead up to the GIANTS’ final match of the season against Melbourne, we’ve examined some of the key components that could influence the result.

Midfield Grunt – Consistency is key in football and Callan Ward has impressed with his tireless effort again this season. The GIANTS co-captain has played every match in 2015, averaging 25 disposals and five marks. He joins only Toby Greene, Heath Shaw are Jeremy Cameron as the GIANTS players who are yet to miss a game this season. Ward is the highest ranked GIANT according to the AFL’s official Player Ratings currently sitting at 23 while Melbourne’s highest ranked player is Nathan Jones at 85.

Clearance Struggle - Both the GIANTS and Melbourne have struggled at centre clearances this season. The Demons are 18th in that category, averaging 10.4 while the GIANTS are 17th with an average of 10.5 per game. Young gun Jack Viney has led the way for the Demons, amassing 37 centre clearances in 2015, while Stephen Coniglio from the GIANTS is not far behind on 33.

Slow Starters – The GIANTS will be trying to get a jump on Melbourne, who have been notoriously slow starters, especially in the month of the season. In round 20, the Demons kicked two goals to 14; in round 21 two goals to 10 and last week against Fremantle they managed just four goals to 11. Melbourne also boast a poor record at Etihad Stadium - They’ve lost their past 22 games at the venue and have not won since round 19, 2007 when they defeated the Western Bulldogs.

Jumping for Jones – A rock in the Demon’s midfield this season has been captain Nathan Jones who is averaging 23 touches and four tackles. Jones will enjoy the fact Stephen Coniglio isn’t playing on Sunday. Last time the sides met Coniglio restricted Jones to just 11 touches, his lowest output this season, besides when he suffered an ankle injury last week. Coniglio is missing the match due to hamstring soreness.

Season to Remember - Both sides were unable to make finals this season but the GIANTS will take a lot of confidence into this last match. The GIANTS have improved on their 2014 campaign, winning five more games in 2015. Their average score per game has risen from 80 to 85 points and their points conceded has dropped from 105 to 85.

Last Time They Met - When the two sides last crossed paths in Round 2, 2015 it was a tale of two halves with Melbourne controlling the first two quarters before being overrun by the GIANTS who won by 45-points in Canberra. Josh Kelly and Callan Ward shared top disposal getter with 27 apiece while Cam McCarthy and Dylan Shiel kicked three goals each.

The GIANTS take on Melbourne at Etihad Stadium at 1.10pm on Sunday.