The key to Essendon’s fortunes against the Western Bulldogs this Sunday could lie with its first half performance. Statistically the Western Bulldogs have played their best football of the season in the first two quarters having broken even in first quarters and winning second quarters 11-7. Essendon has improved its first quarter performances as the season has unfolded and it also has its noses in front in second quarters. But the second half of games tells a very different story.

Essendon has won or broken even in 12 of the 18 third quarters it has played and the Bombers have also finished games well, winning 11 of its 18 last quarters. Something the side wasn’t doing last year. The Bulldogs have struggled after the main break this season. It certainly isn’t glaring in the third quarter where it has won eight and lost 10. However the final quarter numbers aren’t good. The Bulldogs have won just three last quarters out of 18. In fact, the last time the Bulldogs prevailed in a last quarter was in Round 5 against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

So it sends a very clear message to the Essendon players. Switch on early and – statistically at least – you might just be able to get on top late in the game. And the Bombers will want to be switched on. The Bulldogs are in their best form of the season having won two of its past three games.