The way AFL clubs measure pressure have evolved rapidly in the past five years as the correlation between pressure applied and winning becomes stronger. 

The analysis goes well beyond just tackles, spoils and smothers, with Champion Data introducing pressure points in 2011. 

The points system is a key tool for clubs and awards appropriately weighted points for each of the four 'pressure acts'. 

Points are awarded for corralling (1.2), chasing (1.5), closing (2.75) and physical pressure (3.75).

Despite its inability to field its best team all year, the Bombers have been more competitive than many would have expected for the most part. They are ranked seventh in the competition for whole-ground pressure, with an average differential of 2.6.

Backline: Michael Hartley's emergence this season as a key defender has been important to the Bombers, and his statistics show him to have been an excellent pick-up. He ranks first in the competition for defensive 50 pressure points, averaging 14.9 a game.

Midfield: Craig Bird's experience and senior body have offered the Bombers some maturity around the ball this season after losing many of their in-and-under players to 12-month suspensions. Bird ranks first at the club (and fourth overall in the AFL) for midfield pressure points with 43.6 a game.

Forwards: Essendon has been crying out for a small forward who applies pressure as well as kicks goals, and it might have found one in Orazio Fantasia. Fantasia has booted 28 goals this season and is also the Bombers' forward-50 pressure star, averaging 14.3 points a game in that area of the ground.

Pressure king: It should be no surprise the tenacious Zach Merrett leads the Bombers for pressure points (56.4 a game), which sees him ranked No.6 in the competition.