We take a look at how the numbers stack up as Essendon travel to ANZ Stadium to take on Sydney on Saturday. 

Head to Head:

Played: 215

Essendon: 130

Sydney: 84 

Draw: 1 

Last Five:

  • R19, 2014 Sydney 11.13.79 d Essendon 8.9.57 at the SCG
  • 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 

Key Players:

  • Lance Franklin has kicked 55 goals in 11 matches against Essendon.
  • Luke Parker gathered 35 possessions in the last match between the two sides.
  • Dyson Heppell is coming off a strong 2014 where he averaged 28 disposals a game. 

Take Note:

  • Sydney hasn’t beaten Essendon five times in a row since 1934-36.
  • In 2014, Sydney was the number one ranked team for long kicks, while Essendon was number one for short kicks.
  • The Bombers have won their last four round one matches.