This should be a cracking contest, with both sides undefeated and sitting in the top two places on the ladder after six rounds. Geelong showed all its skill and verve during the second half of its clash with Richmond last weekend, careering away from the Tigers and winning by 44 points. Essendon was nowhere near as impressive, struggling early against Greater Western Sydney before getting the job done in the end. But the Bombers will have some key players back for this big clash, and they will be desperate to prove a point against one of the premiership favourites.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday May 10, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2009, Geelong 20.14 (134) d Essendon 11.4 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2010, Geelong 19.11 (125) d Essendon 13.16 (94) at MCG
R12, 2010, Geelong 23.16 (154) d Essendon 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2011, Essendon 18.7 (115) d Geelong 16.15 (111) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, Geelong 20.14 (134) d Essendon 10.7 (67) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. This will be the 211th contest between the sides. The head-to-head scoreboard reads Essendon 113 wins to Geelong's 92.
2. This is Geelong's most dominant era against Essendon since they won nine of 11 contests between 1987 and '92.
3. The Cats have dominated the Bombers in recent seasons, winning 10 of the last 12 matches and seven of the last eight, including five wins by 50 points or more.
4. The match shapes as a battle of the forward lines as Essendon is ranked first for points scored and Geelong is ranked second.
5. Essendon has the advantage in the battle of the backlines. The Bombers are ranked first, conceding an average of 72 points per game. Geelong is ranked 9th, conceding an average of 96 points per game.
6. Essendon is ranked second for contested possessions in 2013, while Geelong is 11th. Clearances haven't been a strength for either side. The Bombers are ranked 12th, the Cats 17th.
