HEAD TO HEAD:

Played 5
Essendon 4
Gold Coast 1

LAST FIVE TIMES:

R21, 2015, Gold Coast 14.13 (97) d Essendon 14.11 (95) at Metricon Stadium
R22, 2014, Essendon 16.12 (108) d Gold Coast 13.11 (89) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2013, Essendon 17.13 (115) d Gold Coast 11.6 (72) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2012, Essendon 15.15 (105) d Gold Coast 13.10 (88) at Metricon Stadium
R6, 2011, Essendon 31.11 (197) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET:

The Suns had their first ever win over the Bombers in Round 21 last year. A hard fought and scrappy contest, the game came down to the final kick of the day with Jake Carlisle narrowly missing a snap on the siren. Both teams will be looking for a cleaner game today and to start 2016 on the right foot.

KEY PLAYERS:

Shaun McKernan had a dominant game the last time we met, showing class both in the ruck and around the ground. He'll share the ruckload with Matthew Leuenberger today as the two have the first opportunity to play together. McKernan will also be an important target for the team in the forward line.

Robert Shaw believes that Craig Bird will also have an important role to play in today's game and will perhaps play a defensive forward role similar to what he used to play in Sydney.

Mark Baguley will be as important as ever in the backline, with his maturity and poise essential to help direct a new look back six. The last time we met he collected 15 disposals, took four marks, laid five tackles and rebounded 50 five times.