Under enormous pressure following consecutive 100-point defeats to West Coast and Richmond, Greater Western Sydney won back some respect with a combative seven-point defeat to Hawthorn at the MCG last weekend.
Producing more than 100 tackles for just the third time in their history, it was a blueprint the GIANTS need to follow this week when they chase their first ever victory against Essendon.
But it won't be easy against a Bombers outfit that crushed Richmond by 50 points in last Saturday's Dreamtime at the 'G fixture. That result improved Essendon's record to 5-5, just one win outside the top eight.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, June 7, 7.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST THREE TIMES
R17, 2013, Essendon 18.8 (116) d GWS 11.11 (77) at Spotless Stadium
R6, 2013, Essendon 17.18 (120) d GWS 12.9 (81) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2012, Essendon 18.11 (119) d GWS 7.11 (53) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1.The GIANTS have been competitive in their three defeats to Essendon, being in touch at half-time in their past two clashes before falling away. They need a four-quarter effort this time around.
2. Essendon is the AFL's No.1 uncontested possession team this season, averaging 275.9 a game. GWS is 16th at 207.8.
3. The Bombers take a lot more marks than any other team, with Cale Hooker's 96 for the year leading the competition. Essendon has six players in the top 15 for marks, while the GIANTS have none.
4. GWS ruckman Shane Mumford averages 43.4 hit-outs a game, the highest in the AFL – 2.5 more than Fremantle’s Aaron Sandilands.
5. Jeremy Cameron's suspension is a blow to the GIANTS. He kicked 13 goals in the three previous games against Essendon.
6.Jobe Watson has been in the top 10 of the Official AFL Player Ratings since mid-2012. He is now ranked No.5.
