STATS THAT MATTER

1

The Suns’ injury-ravaged midfield has now lost Alex Sexton to a corked thigh but in a welcome addition Aaron Hall makes his return. Hall, who averages the most possessions a game (27.9) for the Coast, has missed the last three games with a hamstring problem.

2

Callum Ah Chee has been superb for the Suns but while the forward is ranked the No.7 first year player by the AFL’s player ratings, Essendon’s Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is No.1. averaging 15.2 disposals, 4.2 marks and 3.3 tackles a game this season.

3

Tom Lynch is six goals behind West Coast’s Josh Kennedy in the race for the Coleman Medal but is capable of kicking a bag against Essendon. He kicked four against the Bombers in Round 1 and has 61 for the season. Kennedy faces flag contenders GWS.

4

Pacy Suns defender Adam Saad hasn’t been sighted since Round 8 due to a hamstring injury but makes his return against Essendon. Saad, who averages the most bounces (6.3) a game in the AFL and has pace to burn, improves the side’s ability to transition.

5

Essendon don’t dominate many statistics but they are ranked second in uncontested possessions with 249 a game. Stand-in captain Zach Merrett leads the team in this area with an average of 19.3. Gold Coast are ranked 14th with 221 a game.