Where and when: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sunday March 24, 3.20pm AEDT
Last time they met: Sydney Showground Stadium, round 10, 2018: GWS 8.12 (60) lost to Essendon 14.11 (95)
The Bombers handed GWS its fourth straight defeat after booting six goals to one in a dominant final term. Jake Stringer and Mark Baguley kicked three goals while David Zaharakis claimed the three Brownlow medal votes for his 33 possessions, six clearances, six inside 50s and a goal.
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What it means for GWS: A successful start is a must for GWS with games against West Coast (away), Richmond (home) and Geelong (away) in the first month of the season.
What it means for Essendon: The Bombers have plenty of expectations on them after another big off-season of recruiting, and a win will show they're ready to handle the hype.
How GWS wins: The Giants' backline isn't full strength but is brilliantly led by Phil Davis, and without Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker, it's hard to see how the visitors kick a winning score.
How Essendon wins: The addition of Dylan Shiel is massive for the Bombers and he adds some speed to their already quality midfield, which will gain the ascendancy.
The stat: The Bombers trounced the Giants 16-8 in the centre clearances and 55-42 overall in round 10 last season, a statistic that helped them pile on 6.3 to 1.3 in a one-sided final quarter. Dyson Heppell (12), Zach Merrett (nine) and David Zaharakis (six) led the way.
The match-up: Zac Williams v Orazio Fantasia
This will be a battle of two speedsters and looms as crucial to both sides. Williams provides plenty of run from defence and sets up a lot of attacks, but Fantasia is one of the most dangerous small forwards in the game and can cut sides to pieces if given too much space.
Orazio Fantasia is one of the most dangerous small forwards in the game. Picture: AFL Photos
It’s a big week for: Dylan Shiel (Essendon)
The original Giant gets a match-up with his former team to start the new phase of his career, and he could be the game-breaker. Shiel's speed and explosiveness is well known by the GWS players but stopping him won't be easy.
Big call: Half dozen Harry. With the Bombers' defenders focused heavily on stopping Jeremy Cameron and Toby Greene, Harry Himmelberg slips away and boots six goals.
Prediction: GWS by 19 points
