SUMMARY
Geelong and Essendon remain two of the hardest teams to get an accurate read on this season, after fluctuating form that has seen both side record excellent wins and some dispiriting defeats. Both clubs enter the clash as two of four clubs locked on four wins and five losses after nine rounds, meaning registering a win would put them on equal footing and a loss would leave them behind the pack.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 24, 1.10pm EST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2014, Geelong 13.11 (89) d Essendon 11.14 (80) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, Geelong 17.11 (113) d Essendon 11.19 (85) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, Geelong 20.14 (134) d Essendon 10.7 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2011, Essendon 18.7 (115) d Geelong 16.15 (111) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2010, Geelong 23.16 (154) d Essendon 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite the Bombers losing the most recent contest between the teams, Dyson Heppell picked up three Brownlow votes with 40 possessions and seven tackles. Joel Selwood was the Cats' best with 26 touches and two goals.
2. It will be a battle of the worst clearance teams in 2015 – Essendon is ranked 17th, averaging 35.3 a game, while Geelong is 18th at an average of 33.8.
3. Geelong has dominated Essendon for most of the past decade, winning 10 of the past 12 games since 2005, including six by 50 points or more.
4. The Cats are the worst contested possession team in 2015, ranked 18th with an average of 125.8 a game. Essendon has been better, ranked ninth with an average of 137 per game.
5. The Bombers continue to struggle to score and are 14th for points per game with 78. The Cats have only been marginally better, ranked 12th with 84 points per game. It is down from Geelong's 91-point game average in 2014.
6. Michael Hurley is enjoying a career-best season. No.134 in the Official AFL Player Ratings at the start of the season, he is now No.106 and the fifth-ranked key defender in the AFL.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Steven Motlop. The brilliant Cats forward has had an impact against the Bombers in the past and will likely have Mark Baguley by his side on Saturday night. But he has proven his game-breaking traits and the Bombers will be wary of him.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 18 points
