IN OUR new series, we take a look at a potentially exciting AFL Women’s head-to-head set to take place over the weekend, and how the match-up may transpire on game day.

Note: The match-up of course subject to the selection of both players in their respective sides.

This week’s match up is one of a pair of elite midfielders who are super important to the success of their respective sides – Bulldog Ellie Blackburn and Docker Kiara Bowers.

Blackburn and Bowers are two of the most well known players in the league, and have been among the league’s elite midfielders ever since they were both signed as marquee players to their respective clubs back ahead of season one.

Both are very similar hard, in and under midfielders who are not afraid to get into the thick of a contest. As such their stats are very even, even though Blackburn has played 14 games more than Bowers has.

Bowers has an average of 0.9 disposals more per game(19.5 vs 18.6) and is also 0.7 per cent more efficient with the ball than Blackburn. Marks are almost dead even as well, but Blackburn’s average is 0.2 higher.

The tackle average though is just about the only thing that is substantially different between the pair. Bowers, who is renowned for her tackle prowess, has an average tackle count that is 7.4 tackles higher. However, Blackburn averages 16.3 more metres gained than Bowers does, which is another crucial element of any midfielder’s game.

Bowers has a higher contested possession average (11.9 as opposed to 8.6) while Blackburn leads the pair in average uncontested possessions (9.7 as opposed to 7.2). Another stat that is key to a good game for any midfielder is the inside 50 count, which Bowers leads by only 0.1.

Overall there really is not too much separating these two stars of the game, and the battle between the pair is set to be a fascinating one to watch tonight.