Ahead of the huge clash at the SCG between Sydney and Essendon, we bring you the numbers that matter.

Head to Head
Played 214
Essendon 130
Sydney 83
Draws 1

Last Five

R9, 2014, Sydney 18.6 (114) d Essendon 9.10 (64) at Etihad Stadium

R10, 2013, Sydney 17.13 (115) d Essendon 10.11 (71) at the SCG

R11, 2012, Sydney 13.8 (86) d Essendon 11.16 (82) at Etihad Stadium

R20, 2011, Essendon 15.10 (100) d Sydney 14.15 (99) at Etihad Stadium

R2, 2011, Sydney 14.14 (98) d Essendon 13.15 (93) at Stadium Australia

Key Players

• Lance Franklin has long been a tormenter of Essendon and continued his scintillating form against the Bombers in the round nine match kicking five goals. The Swans’ spearhead has now booted 55 goals in his 11 matches against the Dons throughout his career.

• Jake Carlisle, the in-form forward of the competition, will look to continue his hot streak after kicking 12 goals in his last two matches alone. Amazingly he as the substitute when these two teams met earlier in the year.

• Sydney’s Josh Kennedy ranks first for total disposals for the competition and is now the hot favourite for the Brownlow. He will need some shutting down by the Bomber midfield after collecting 39 disposals in their round nine encounter.

Take Note

• Essendon rank 1^st in uncontested possessions this season, while Sydney top the AFL contested possessions for 2014.

• Sydney have now won five out of the last six matches against Essendon, including the last two by an average of 47 points.

• After dropping their first match at the SCG in round four, Sydney have since won their last five games at that venue.