Stats that matter

‘Stants’ that matter

If the Bombers have a barometer this season, it has been Brent Stanton.

The tireless midfielder has averaged 31 disposals per game in Essendon’s eight wins this season.

In the club’s three losses, he has tallied just 18 touches per game.

But Freo assistant coach Mark Stone said stopping Stanton was just one part of beating Essendon.

“He’s a key player, there’s no doubt about that,” Stone said.

“He’s a class player and a hard runner and we’ll have to put some time into him.

“But we need to be fully aware that the other guys pulling on the Essendon jumper are very good players as well and we need to respect them as a total team.”

- Stanton has had the most kicks (223) and marks (84) in the AFL this year
- He’s also had the most effective kicks (160), long kicks (77) and uncontested marks (79)

Bombing it inside 50

Essendon is ranked number 2 in the AFL this season for inside 50s (668).

Against Sydney in round 11, the Bombers had 78 entries into its attacking arc - 28 more than Sydney - but still lost the game.

Other stats

- Essendon is 3rd for contested marks (140)
- Fremantle is 9th (129)

- Essendon is 2nd in the AFL for playing-on percentage after a mark (41.2%)
- Fremantle is 12th (31.3%)

- Stewart Crameri is 4th in the competition for marks on a lead (21)
- Jobe Watson is 1st in the AFL for clearances (83)
- Michael Johnson is 2nd in the AFL for marks (83), 3rd for uncontested marks (75) and 4th for short kicks (82)

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