Stanton and Watson have been central to Essendon's near faultless start to the year, and their influence is reflected in the numbers. After seven games, both have had 204 disposals at an average of 29 per game. They sit comfortably in the top 10 of all players for most disposals.
But it is their differences as players rather than their similarities which make the Watson-Stanton combination so valuable.
Stanton is a runner and kicker (he leads the competition for kicks), while Watson, in his third season as Bombers captain, is equal top in the League for clearances, and second overall in the competition for contested possessions.
Together, they are Essendon's zig and zag.
Against West Coast on Saturday night it was especially obvious, with each gathering 36 disposals in Essendon's 61-point win.
Stanton told AFL.com.au after the game that he and Watson had formed a close partnership in the past nine seasons and that things were clicking.
"We've worked pretty closely together for a fair while now and he's such a fantastic player and fantastic leader as well," the 26-year-old said.
"You try and suck as much information out of him as possible and no doubt you become a much better player for it."
Watson started the game against West Coast with a 13-possession first quarter, which included four clearances. Stanton worked into the game and also finished with two goals.
In the second term he was able to sneak forward and was the beneficiary of some good work from teammate David Zaharakis through the middle of the ground, and in the last he floated deep into attack to grab a contested mark close to goal. Fittingly, his second goal was set up by a clearance to Watson at half-forward.
Stanton said he was enjoying his football this year.
"It's always better when you're winning games of footy and that's the most important thing," Stanton said.
"We're starting to build a pretty exciting footy team here and we've got a major focus on everyone playing their part and everyone understands that. It's an amazing win to get over West Coast and we should take a lot of confidence out of it."
Bombers coach James Hird said that although Stanton and Watson were clearly in flying form, Essendon's midfield depth was allowing them to reach even higher levels.
"A midfield is not about one or two guys," Hird said. "A midfield is about having eight who can rotate through there and who can work really hard."
Hird would admit, however, how crucial the form of the pair is to Essendon's success. They have developed an understanding of where each of them prefer getting the ball, and who is better with it. It's an understanding that is helping lead the Bombers back up the ladder.
Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
