We look at the numbers ahead of tonight’s big clash of the sash at the MCG between Richmond and Essendon.

Head to Head
Played 194
Essendon 104
Richmond 86
Draws 4

Last five

R11, 2014, Essendon 15.14 (104) d Richmond 7.12 (54) at the MCG

R23, 2013, Richmond 15.14 (104) d Essendon 9.11 (65) at the MCG

R9, 2013, Essendon 13.13 (91) d Richmond 9.8 (62) at the MCG

R22, 2012, Richmond 13.24 (102) d Essendon (8.9 (57) at the MCG

R8, 2012, Essendon 19.14 (128) d Richmond 15.19 (109) at the MCG

Key Players

• Ben Howlett dominated when these two teams met back in round 11. He gathered 25 disposals and booted five goals tearing the Tiger midfield apart.

• In his just third season Dyson Heppell is beginning to make his mark on the competition. The blond bombshell averages 27.6 disposals a game this season, which sees him ranked fourth for total disposals.

• Richmond’s Brett Deledio has been in great touch of late, averaging 28 disposals and booting four goals in his last five matches.

Take Note

• The Tigers have made their mark as a defensive team in 2014 as they lead the competition for stoppages, averaging over 28 a match.

• Despite the Bombers being ranked 13^th in the AFL in points for, they rank 3^rd in points against.

• Richmond is in hot form of recent, winning their past five in a row.