Robert Shaw says the Bombers need to bring their best defensive game to match it with GWS on Sunday.

The Giants are in sixth position on the ladder and will be looking to back-up their win over Sydney last week.

Shaw said the Giants ability to move the ball from defence with pace and efficiency has helped their rise up the ladder.

“Their transfer from backline to forward line is probably the best in the competition,” Shaw said.

“They’re a very quick side, their midfield is beautifully balanced.

“They are the quickest team in the competition and it’s going to take an enormous pressure effort from Essendon starting in the forward line to maintain a good level of competiveness.”

Heath Shaw has been a key factor in the Giants ability to quickly transition into attack.

The former Magpie is averaging a career high 26-possessions per game and 8.5 rebounds form the defensive 50.  He’s also ranked third for metres gained across the competition.

Robert Shaw says if the Essendon coaching staff decides to assign a defensive forward to Heath Shaw, Mathew Stokes or Brendon Goddard could be the men for the role because of their experience and football intelligence.

“This is a bloke playing outstanding football – the best half back flanker and an absolute key to the transition and ball movement of GWS,” Robert Shaw said.

“There are options there to look at allocating a player – firstly to nullify his magnificent run but also to catch him off guard and to catch him off guard you need to play a smart player there.”