SUMMARY
Consecutive victories would be a dream start to the season and both clubs have the chance to go 2-0 on Saturday. The Giants will start favourites for the second week running, and get another chance to show how much they’ve matured against the plucky Dees. With Jeremy Cameron at one end, and Jesse Hogan at the other, fans will get to see two of the game’s future superstars in action.
WHERE AND WHEN: StarTrack Oval, Canberra, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2014, GWS 15.8 (98) d Melbourne 3.16 (34) at the MCG
R3, 2014, GWS 10.19 (79) d Melbourne 7.5 (47) at Spotless Stadium
R19, 2013, GWS 19.10 (124) d Melbourne 12.15 (87) at Spotless Stadium
R4, 2013, Melbourne 22.12 (144) d GWS 15.13 (103) at the MCG
R21, 2012, Melbourne 11.18 (84) d GWS 9.5 (59) at StarTrack Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round three last season, Adam Treloar was the star for GWS with 33 possessions. In round 21, the Giants won their first game at the MCG and recorded their biggest win against any team.
2. After winning the first three clashes between the sides, Melbourne has struggled against the Giants losing the next three. Their final score of 3.16 (34) late in 2014 was the second time in the year that they kicked only three goals in a game at the MCG.
3. In their round one win over Gold Coast, the Demons took 16 contested marks, the most in the opening round of any team. The Giants were also impressive in this area with 13 against St Kilda.
4. The Giants were winless from three games at StarTrack Oval in 2014 and have just one win from nine games at the venue in total. Melbourne has played five times in the ACT for two wins.
5. Melbourne hasn’t kicked 100 points in a game in consecutive weeks since round 22 and 23 in 2011.
6. Melbourne hasn’t got a player inside the Top 100 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Skipper Nathan Jones is their best at 101.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Jesse Hogan. The West Australian impressed in his long-awaited debut with 15 touches, seven marks and two goals against the Suns to have Demons fans swinging from the rafters at the MCG. He might find it tough going in Canberra however, with the Dees midfield likely to have less room to move. If Melbourne can continue their round one form however, we might see a shootout with GWS star Jeremy Cameron.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 29 points.
