In the lead up to the GIANTS' clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium, we’ve examined some of the key statistical components that could influence the match.

Mummy Machine – When Shane Mumford last faced Carlton he was dominant in the ruck, recording 55 hit-outs for the match which was his second highest amount of all time. This time things could be different with Cameron Wood shouldering most of the ruck-work. Shane Mumford averages 34 hit-outs per game this season.

Hitting the Scoreboard – The Blues have struggled to score this season, ranked 15th for points per game with 77.5. The GIANTS are ranked sixth in the league with 89.6 – which is considerably better than their 2014 average of 80 points.

Clearing Carlton – Carlton's centre clearance work has been impressive this season. The players doing the most damage include Cameron Wood, Chris Judd, Andrew Carrazzo and Bryce Gibbs who are all ranked inside the top 25 in the league.

Unchanged – For the first time in history the GIANTS have named an unchanged line-up. Coach Leon Cameron has opted to stick with the same 22 that upset reigning premiers Hawthorn by 10 points at Spotless Stadium last weekend.

Marvellous Mids – GIANTS midfielders aren’t just accumulating disposals, they’re also using the ball extremely well in terms of disposal efficiency. Analysing the Top 30 disposal getters in the AFL, Callan Ward (79.4%), Dylan Shiel (78.8%) and Adam Treloar (78.3%) are among the league's best.

Disposal/ Mark Gap – Carlton are ranked 17th in the league for both marks and disposals this season while the GIANTS are ranked fifth and eighth respectively. Dylan Shiel is leading the GIANTS in touches, averaging 28.3 per match while Carlton’s best is Marc Murphy averaging 24.7.

Last Time They Met – When the two sides last clashed in Round 14, 2014 it was the GIANTS who ran out eight-point winners. Callan Ward was awarded the three Brownlow votes after accumulating 29 disposals and eight tackles.