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A preview panel of the opening game of round 15 of the AFL season.

PREVIEW OF OPENING GAME OF AFL ROUND 15 (time AEST)

THURSDAY, June 27

Essendon v GWS at Marvel Stadium, 7.20pm

Head to head: Bombers 5 Giants 4 drawn 0

Last clash: Round 1, 2019 - Giants 16.16 (112) bt Bombers 5.10 (40) at Giants Stadium

Essendon have been one of this season's biggest disappointments but 200-gamer David Zaharakis insists finals are still on the agenda. Victory will draw the Bombers level on premiership points with eight-placed Fremantle while the scalp of a premiership contender like GWS could ease pressure on coach John Worsfold. However, the Giants sit in the top four for a reason . They should be refreshed after the bye and desperate to make an impression in a rare prime-time game.

Key: The Bombers scored just 5.10 (40) and were smacked 156-116 in the contested possession count during their opening-round capitulation to GWS. Matt de Boer's absence should help the hosts, can Dylan Shiel fire up against his former side and ensure they win the all-important midfield battle?

Tip: Giants by 33 points