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

Sensational Smith - Small forward Devon Smith will return to the GIANTS side this week after missing last week with a knee injury. Last time he lined up against Essendon he recorded a career-high 33 touches, complemented with six marks, three tackles and a goal. Smith is averaging just under 20 touches per game in 2015.

Defensive Duo - GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis has played 10 games this season predominantly taking the best opposition forward. He has competed in 47 one-on-one contests and lost just 13. On average he concedes one goal every 120 minutes of football. While the GIANTS are happy to have Davis back from injury, losing Matt Buntine will be a blow leading into this week’s game. Buntine suffered his second concussion in three weeks and will miss the game against Essendon. He has played 11 matches this season and has only conceded six goals. 

Hit-out Heroes - After losing ruckman Shane Mumford with an ankle injury in Round 11 the GIANTS have looked to their younger brigade to help shoulder the load. Tom Downie and Rory Lobb have been sharing the ruck over the last month however Andrew Phillips has been included this week after a best on ground performance in the NEAFL. The GIANTS average 41 hit-outs, ranking them 10th in the league, while Essendon average just 35, ranking them last.

General Returns - Following nearly 12 months on the sideline key forward Jon Patton will make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction. Patton will add another dimension to the GIANTS forward line, ultimately helping fellow forward Jeremy Cameron who is currently second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard with 46 goals. The last time the pair played together was Round 21, 2014.

Bombing Out - Essendon are ranked 18th in the AFL for clearances in 2015, averaging only 35.2 per game, they are also ranked 17th for centre clearances. It hasn’t been a good month for the Bombers, kicking their lowest score of the season last weekend against the Bulldogs (5.10.40). It was the ninth time this season they have kicked less than 10 goals in a game.

Last Time We Met - It was the Bombers who won bragging rights last time the clubs met, winning by 15 points at Spotless Stadium in Round 12, 2014. David Zaharakis picked up the three Brownlow votes the last time these sides met; he had 34 disposals, kicked two goals and laid five tackles.