SUMMARY
Melbourne enters its opening round clash against the Giants brimming with confidence after three straight wins in the NAB Challenge. The Demons played exciting footy in the pre-season competition and have formed a team full of competitors, a mantra the club is adopting in 2016. The Giants won two of their games, including a complete take down of hometown rivals the Sydney Swans at Drummoyne Oval. Jeremy Cameron's four-game suspension will hurt the Giants tremendously, while Cam McCarthy's indefinite absence places a lot of pressure on James Stewart and Rory Lobb to deliver up forward.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, March 25, 1.40pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2015, Melbourne 15.13 (103) d GWS Giants 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2015, GWS Giants 15.11 (101) d Melbourne 8.8 (56) at Manuka Oval
R21, 2014, GWS Giants 15.8 (98) d Melbourne 3.16 (34) at the MCG
R3, 2014, GWS Giants 10.19 (79) d Melbourne 7.5 (47) at Spotless Stadium
R19, 2013, GWS Giants 19.10 (124) d Melbourne 12.15 (87) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne’s midfield was the difference between the sides in the most recent contest in round 23 last season. Max Gawn dominated with 55 hit-outs, while Bernie Vince gathered 38 disposals and Nathan Jones had 36.
2. The Giants were one team who loved to run and carry the ball in 2015, ranking fourth in the competition for running bounces with 37 per game. Melbourne was ranked 11th with 35 per game.
3. Melbourne's final round win in 2015 ended the Giants' dominance. Greater Western Sydney had won the previous four matches between the sides.
4. Despite an improved season in 2015, the Demons continued to struggle to take the ball inside 50. They were ranked 17th in the competition with 44 per game. The Giants were marginally better with 49 per game.
5. Melbourne had another losing season in 2015 at the MCG, dropping eight of the 13 games played at the venue. The Giants played twice at the MCG, for two losses and lost four of six overall in Melbourne.
6. The Demons have just two players – Nathan Jones and Tom McDonald – ranked inside the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The Giants have five (Callan Ward, Ryan Griffen, Devon Smith, Dylan Shiel and Heath Shaw).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jesse Hogan. After having his set-shot kicking questioned by all and sundry following an errant display against St Kilda in Melbourne's final NAB Challenge clash, expect the big Demons forward to bounce back with a vengeance. With Jeremy Cameron missing at the other end of the ground, Hogan could be the difference between the sides.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 13 points
