CHAMPION Data takes a look at this week’s Rivalry Round clashes.
Western Bulldogs v St Kilda at Telstra Dome
* The Bulldogs have not beaten the Saints at the Telstra Dome since Round 12, 2002.
* The Bulldogs had six players kick three or more goals last week against the Demons – their most since Round 11, 1998. They were; Robert Murphy (4), Jason Akermanis, Brad Johnson, Josh Hill, Scott Welsh and Daniel Cross (3 each).
* St Kilda has won seven of its past nine games at the Telstra Dome
* St Kilda’s scoring accuracy of 51 per cent is the second worst of any side this season. It follows their form from last season when they again finished with the second worst scoring accuracy (55 per cent).
* In his last three games against the Bulldogs, Luke Ball has averaged 25 disposals, five clearances and four inside 50s.
North Melbourne v Hawthorn at Telstra Dome
* Over the opening two rounds the Kangaroos have averaged only eight clanger kicks per game – the fewest of any team.
* Daniel Wells had a team-high 24 disposals and 18 uncontested possessions last week against the Tigers. He also grabbed eight marks and had seven inside 50s plus two goal assists.
* Corey Jones kicked seven goals against the Hawks in round 17 last season but missed the semi-final game against them. He has kicked multiple goals in just three of his 12 games against them.
* Hawthorn has laid the second most tackles of any team this season (115).
* Sam Mitchell has averaged 27 disposals, 11 handball-receives and six clearances in his past two games against the Kangaroos.
West Coast v Fremantle at Subiaco
* West Coast has scored 100 points or more in only one of its past nine clashes against the Dockers.
* West Coast has grabbed just 12 marks inside 50 this season – the fewest of any side.
* Quinten Lynch has never scored more than two goals against the Dockers.
* Fremantle has won just one of its eight quarters so far this season. Only Melbourne has won fewer.
* Jeff Farmer has finished with multiple goals in five of his last seven games against the Eagles. In round 18 last season he finished with 18 disposals, 10 marks, four inside 50s, three goals and one goal assist.
Essendon v Carlton at the MCG
* The Bombers have won only two of their past nine games at the MCG.
* Ricky Dyson finished with a career-high 29 disposals last week against the Cats. He also finished with 24 uncontested possessions, seven inside 50s and two score assists.
* Jobe Watson has averaged 24 disposals and eight handball-receives in his past three matches against the Blues.
* Carlton has laid just 35 tackles per game so far this season – the fewest of any side and 13 fewer than the AFL average.
* Chris Judd has won 10 clearances so far this season – four more than any other Carlton player.
Brisbane v Sydney at the Gabba
* The Lions entered their forward 50 on only 87 occasions in the first two rounds this season – the second fewest of any side.
* Jared Brennan led the team with six clearances last week against the Magpies – a personal career best.
* Joel Macdonald was fantastic last week against the Magpies finishing with 23 disposals, five rebound 50s, eight marks (three from opposition kicks) and 10 contested possessions.
* Sydney has scored over 100 points only once at the Gabba since 1999.
* Tadhg Kennelly was closely tagged by Kane Cornes last week and finished with just nine disposals and one rebound 50 playing 85 per cent of game-time.
Geelong v Melbourne at Skilled Stadium
* Geelong’s 462 disposals against the Bombers last week was the second most ever recorded by any side.
* Cameron Mooney has kicked just nine goals in his past seven games against the Demons.
* Melbourne is yet to outscore its opposition in a quarter this season.
* Cale Morton had the best disposal efficiency of any Melbourne player last week as he finished with 17 disposals at efficiency of 88 per cent.
* Cameron Bruce has won 30 disposals in three of his past five games against the Cats.
Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG
* Jay Schulz scored three goals in a game last week for the fourth time in his career, but the Tigers have won only one of these games.
* Brett Deledio had a career-high 27 disposals last week – 17 of those coming in the second half.
* Collingwood has averaged 57 long kicks so far in 2008 – seven more than any other side.
* Paul Medhurst had 16 kicks and no handballs last week to take his season tally to 30 kicks and just two handballs.
* Collingwood’s Nathan Brown has effected 16 spoils so far this season – ranked No.1 in the AFL.
Adelaide v Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium
* Adelaide’s score of 133 points last week against the Eagles was its highest since round 22, 2006.
* Nathan Bock had a career-high of 32 disposals last week against the Eagles – seven more than his previous best. He played on Ashley Hansen keeping him to just eight disposals, five marks and one goal.
* Port Adelaide has averaged only 65 points in its past seven games against Adelaide.
* The Power are yet to win a first or second quarter so far this season – outscored by eight goals in their two opening halves.
* Warren Tredrea has kicked just two goals in his last five games against the Crows.