Here are all the numbers you need to know ahead of Essendon’s big match against West Coast.

HEAD TO HEAD:

Played: 49

Essendon: 27

West Coast: 22

Draws: 0 

LAST FIVE:

R11, 2015, West Coast 14.12 (96) d Essendon 6.10 (46) at Domain Stadium 

R21, 2014, Essendon 11.11 (77) d West Coast 11.8 (74) at Etihad Stadium 

R20, 2013, West Coast 18.12 (120) d Essendon 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium

R13, 2013, Essendon 15.8 (98) d West Coast 13.13 (91) at Subiaco Oval

R7, 2012, Essendon 16.17 (113) d West Coast 7.10 (52) at Etihad Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET:

It was our more senior players that took the lead the last time we travelled West to face the Eagles in 2015. Jobe Watson and Brent Stanton were at their best on what was an otherwise difficult afternoon for the Bombers. Zach Merrett had a standout game collecting 29 disposals, taking seven marks and laying 11 tackles. 

KEY PLAYERS:

Once again, our defenders will have a tough task ahead of them coming up against a potent West Coast Eagles forward line. Michael Hartley stands as a likely match-up for the Eagles’ Josh Kennedy. Kennedy is a front runner for the Coleman Medal, having kicked 46 goals so far this season. Hartley has shown his ability to restrict the big targets before, but this will prove to be a great challenge for the young defender.  

Zach Merrett’s pressure around the contest will be crucial when it comes to both clearing the ball and restricting the Eagles’ midfielders. If Merrett is able to heap the pressure on the opposition, particularly Matt Priddis, he will give the other Bomber midfielders a better chance of winning the ball around the contest. The Eagles are only averaging three more clearances than the Bombers so far this season, so winning the midfield battle is crucial. 

With star ruckman Nic Naitanui out injured, Matthew Leuenberger will need to ensure that he is providing Essendon’s midfielders with first use. The big man is likely to come up against either Scott Lycett or ex-Bomber Jonathan Giles - both of whom are more than capable. Leuey has been steadily building with the Bombers and is beginning to form great chemistry with the midfield group. Backed up by either Mark Jamar, Joe Daniher or - if included, Shaun McKernan the Bombers’ talls stand a good chance to do some damage.

OTHER NOTES:

If selected James Gwilt will play in his 150th game for the Club, while Jackson Merrett will play in his 50th game.