We’ve covered off one midfield match up in Callan Ward v Josh Kennedy, now it’s time to look at another; Stephen Coniglio v Luke Parker.

GIANTS’ vice-captain Coniglio has had an outstanding season so far, averaging 27.9 disposals and a goal per game while the Swans’ Parker has averaged 23 disposals and one goal per game.

Coniglio’s outstanding season had many critics scratching their heads when he wasn’t selected in the Virgin Australia All Australian 40-man squad last month.

“Kicking in excess of 20 goals, that’s the profile of a star midfielder. They’re numbers that most of his fellow types are not achieving,” Fox Footy’s David King told The Daily Telegraph.

“I don’t know what it’s about this guy that slips under the radar but to not be in the 40 is a bit of a shock to me.”

Parker, meanwhile, hasn’t had as a prolific season as 2017 or 2016 when he collected 42 Brownlow Medal votes across the two seasons, but he has increased his scoring output kicking 24 goals.

Why is the contest crucial?

Both players are important in setting up attacking movements and goals for their respective teams.

Coniglio is one of the competition leaders when it comes to score involvements at 7.4 per game compared to Parker’s 5.2, while Coniglio also averages 3.9 inside 50s per game to Parker’s 3.7.

However, Parker has Coniglio beaten when it comes to goal assists with the Swan setting up 14 goals in 2018 to the GIANT’s 12.

Parker was near best on ground in Sydney Derby XV in round 22, collecting a game-high 33 disposals and kicking two goals in the Swans’ win.

Coniglio was kept to 21 disposals and a goal and with his influence in the second half of the match quelled, the Swans midfield – including Parker – overran the GIANTS in the final quarter.

The GIANTS have only been beaten twice in the seven games that Coniglio has gathered more than 30 disposals in 2018.