SUMMARY
It is a short turnaround for both of these sides ahead of Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium, following Melbourne's clash with Richmond on Anzac Day eve and the Bombers' win over Collingwood the following day. Essendon returned to the winners' list with its 18-point victory over the Pies in a game that saw their dangerous small forwards back firing and Joe Daniher star further up the ground. The club's midfield is growing deeper and deeper, and will need to be at its best to combat the Demons' on-ball brigade, which is one of the most impressive in the competition. But how will Melbourne manage in the ruck with Jake Spencer (AC joint) joining first-choice big man Max Gawn (hamstring) on the sidelines? Melbourne broke its drought at Etihad Stadium in round one against St Kilda, so will head to the Docklands free of the hoodoo that has lurked in recent years.
Follow it LIVE: Bombers v Demons
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, April 30, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2016, Essendon 11.14 (80) d Melbourne 10.7 (67) at the MCG
R15, 2015, Essendon 10.9 (69) d Melbourne 7.18 (60) at the MCG
R13, 2014, Melbourne 12.6 (78) d Essendon 10.17 (77) at the MCG
R2, 2013, Essendon 28.16 (184) d Melbourne 5.6 (36) at the MCG
R10, 2012, Melbourne 8.10 (58) d Essendon 6.16 (52) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Both sides are high disposal teams in 2017. Melbourne is ranked second in the competition, averaging 411 a game, and Essendon is fourth at 403 a game. The Demons are also ranked second for uncontested possessions with an average of 262 an outing.
2. Essendon and Melbourne have played only four times previously at Etihad Stadium with the Bombers winning three. The most recent was in 2009. The past six Bombers home games against Melbourne have all been played at the MCG.
3. Melbourne has been good at giving its forwards a chance this season; it's ranked sixth in the league for inside-50 entries, averaging 55.8. Essendon is ranking just 47 entries a game – the worst in the competition.
4. This is the 213th clash between the sides and Essendon holds a clear advantage winning 129 games to 81, with two draws. It's three wins apiece since 2011.
5. Essendon's scoring continues to improve this season, averaging 91 points a game compared to 65 in 2016. The Bombers have also reached 100 points in three of their five games and are reasonably accurate (68 goals and 49 behinds).
6. Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney is the Demons' top-placed player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, sitting 47th in the competition.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Michael Hibberd
Hibberd was exceptional in his debut for the Demons last week, gathering 27 disposals and kicking a beautiful long goal in his first game at the top level since 2015. This week he comes up against his old side for the first time, which he left last season after serving his anti-doping ban.
PREDICTION: Essendon by 18 points
