SUMMARY
An out of form Gold Coast makes its first trip to Spotless Stadium to face a Greater Western Sydney side riding high after a club-record four wins in a row, and this one looms as a tough one for the visitors. Captain Gary Ablett is sore and has come under fire for his performances, but he's one of many at the Suns struggling to recapture their early season spirit. It's a different story for the Giants, who have rebounded from a 1-2 start to the year in stunning fashion. GWS ticked off another club milestone when it beat Fremantle last week to record its first ever win in Perth, and aside from some injuries to their key defenders, Leon Cameron's men are flying, so this one could get ugly unless the Suns can get themselves going.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: www.afl.com.au/broadcastguide.workstation
Tom Lynch will need a massive game for the Suns to be competitive with the Giants. Picture: AFL Media
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2015, Greater Western Sydney 13.16 (94) d Gold Coast 12.7 (79) at Metricon Stadium
R4, 2015, Greater Western Sydney 16.23 (119) d Gold Coast 7.11 (53) at Manuka Oval
R6, 2014, Gold Coast 20.14 (134) d Greater Western Sydney 13.16 (94) at Metricon Stadium
R23, 2013, Gold Coast 22.14 (146) d Greater Western Sydney 9.9 (63) at Metricon Stadium
R5, 2013, Gold Coast 21.22 (148) d Greater Western Sydney 16.8 (104) at Manuka Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants dominated the last time the sides played, winning the disposal count 384-305, the marks 121-79, having 10 more scoring shots and 16 more inside 50s. Devon Smith was best on ground with 27 disposals and four goals.
2. GWS has now won four consecutive matches – a new club record – and has kicked an average score of 132 points per game in that period, while holding its opposition to only 76 per game.
3. The Suns hold a narrow advantage in head-to-head contests with four wins from seven games, but GWS has won the last two.
4. Gold Coast is the worst clearance team in 2016 with 32 per game, while the Giants are ranked second at 41 per game.
5. The Suns travel to Spotless Stadium for the first time in round eight and they’ve yet to win a game in Sydney, losing twice previously to the Swans at the SCG.
6. Gold Coast star Tom Lynch has jumped 24 spots in the Schick AFL Players Ratings since the start of the year thanks to his brilliant early season form, and is now ranked number 34.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Lynch
The Gold Coast forward has been a star this season with 28 goals from his seven games at an average of four per match, but he'll need to at least double his average to give his side a chance against the Giants. Jack Martin (10) is the only other Sun in double figures, so Lynch has to produce something special.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 77 points
