GAMES: 14
GOALS: 10
SEASON TO DATE: Watson had an exceptional start to the season in which he gathered 30-plus possessions on five separate occasions, but a serious hip injury ground his year to a halt at round 12, forcing him on to the sidelines for eight weeks. The Bombers captain returned in round 21 where he has again started to find his feet.
WEAPON: Watson's leadership is critical when assessing the Bombers' finals hopes. He brings that intangible quality in spades, but his clearance work is his greatest asset. Against the likes of Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington – two players renowned for their contested work – Watson will need to bring his A-game on Saturday night.
WEAKNESS: Watson's work on the outside of the contest isn't quite as good as his inside ability, but you would be a tough judge to dock points because of that. The only question mark surrounds the amount of footy he has missed this season. Can he impact games to the level he has in the past and help carry Essendon past the first-round knockout stage of the finals? – Ben Guthrie
JACK ZIEBELL
GAMES: 17
GOALS: 15
SEASON TO DATE: It has been a frustrating 2014 for Ziebell, whose momentum has been interrupted by shoulder and knee injuries. He returned in round 18 as the sub and didn't hit strong form until round 22 when he was best on ground against Adelaide in Tasmania. Has sat behind midfielders Ben Cunnington, Andrew Swallow and Levi Greenwood for influence at the coalface, but the Kangaroos will hope he is finding form at the right time of the year.
WEAPON: The vice-captain has emerged as a threat not only for his ability to kick running goals, but also to move deep into attack as he did in round 22, kicking 4.5 against the Crows. In the midfield he is aggressive and courageous making him a player well suited to the finals cauldron.
WEAKNESS: As a No.9 draft pick, Ziebell is marked harshly because of his low possession tallies. His average of 21 touches in 2013 was a career high and that has dropped to 18.5 this year. A more consistent presence from Ziebell will give the Kangaroos a stronger chance of winning finals. – Nathan Schmook
Jack Ziebell is now a dangerous forward option as well a midfield presence. Picture: AFL Media
