Here are the numbers you need to know ahead of the Bombers clash with Melbourne later today. 

Head to Head

Played: 210

Won: 127

Lost: 81

Draws: 2

Last Five

R13, 2014, Melbourne 12.6 (78) d Essendon 10.17 (77) at the MCG

R2, 2013, Essendon 28.16 (184) d Melbourne 5.6 (36) at the MCG

R10, 2012, Melbourne 8.10 (58) d Essendon 6.16 (52) at the MCG

R11, 2011, Melbourne 15.11 (101) d Essendon 10.8 (68) at the MCG

R15, 2010, Melbourne 19.8 (122) d Essendon 14.19 (103) at the MCG

Key players

-       Dyson Heppell gathered 32 possessions last week, including 14 in the second quarter.

-       Jeff Garlett and Jesse Hogan have kicked 49 goals between them this year.

-       Brendon Goddard had only seven possessions last week, he’s only had less than 10 touches on one other occasion for the Dons and that was when he got injured.

Take Note

-       Essendon has 12 players with 40 games or less experience in its selected side.

-       The Bombers are ranked 8^th for one percenters this season, Melbourne is 17^th.

-       This is Alex Browne’s first game since 2012.