SUMMARY
The Giants are coming off their first ever win over West Coast and will need to recover well after only getting back to Sydney on Monday afternoon. They're struggling with a long injury list but the 22 being picked each week has done the job so far, and coach Leon Cameron will need even contributions from all of his players again this week. Essendon was right in it with a six-goal opening term against Richmond last week, but kicked just four more for the match, and will need to bring far more scoreboard pressure against GWS. The battle between speedy Bomber forwards Josh Green, Orazio Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, and attacking Giants defenders Heath Shaw, Nathan Wilson and Zac Williams, should be one to keep an eye on, and the visitors will need to work just as hard when they don't have the footy to kept the home side in check.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, June 3, 4.35pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R13, 2016, GWS 17.15 (117) d Essendon 12.18 (90) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2015, GWS 14.9 (93) d Essendon 8.13 (61) at Spotless Stadium
R12, 2014, Essendon 11.15 (81) d GWS 9.12 (66) at Spotless Stadium
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these sides played the Bombers led narrowly at half-time, before the Giants controlled the second half kicking 10 goals to three. Toby Greene kicked four goals and Stephen Coniglio starred with 29 disposals, seven tackles, nine inside 50s and eight clearances.
2. Essendon continues to struggle taking the ball inside 50; the Bombers are ranked 16th averaging 46.9 per game, and have lost the inside 50 count in nine of their 10 matches. The Giants are ranked sixth.
3. GWS has now won the past two clashes between the sides after Essendon had dominated early matches, winning the first four games, including a 66-point victory in the first meeting in 2012.
4. A big advantage for the Giants could be in the clearances; they're ranked first averaging 43.2 per game, well ahead of the Bombers who are ranked equal last with an average of only 34.4.
5. Essendon holds the advantage over the Giants at Spotless Stadium, winning three of four games, but GWS is undefeated from three games at home this season, the last two coming by three points.
6. Midfielders Zach Merrett (33rd) and Brendon Goddard (45th) are the only Bombers ranked inside the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings, while the Giants have nine representatives, led by club champion Toby Greene (22nd).
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …Phil Davis
The co-captain will likely get first crack at star Bomber Joe Daniher and will need plenty of help to contain the mobile big man inside 50. Adam Tomlinson might get the job if Daniher starts up the ground, but Davis will take him close to goal.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 21 points
