Gold Coast is on a high after achieving back-to-back wins for the first time in its brief history, and this weekend returns to the MCG, scene of its impressive 60-point dismantling of Melbourne a fortnight ago, for a far more challenging assignment. The 7-1 Hawks sit atop the ladder having thrashed Greater Western Sydney by 83 points on Saturday, and will be eager to further consolidate their place in the top four.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday May 26, 1.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST THREE TIMES
R21, 2012, Hawthorn 19.15 (129) d Gold Coast 10.5 (65) at the MCG
R24, 2011, Hawthorn 16.10 (106) d Gold Coast 14.13 (97) at Metricon Stadium
R13, 2011, Hawthorn 19.15 (129) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Aurora Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In the Hawks' 64-point victory over Gold Coast in round 21 last season, Jack Gunston booted four goals in a Lance Franklin-less forward line, while midfielder Brad Sewell picked up the three Brownlow votes for his 35-disposal performance. The game also turned out to be the last of Hawthorn star Chance Bateman's career.
2. Hawthorn has found space better than any other team this season, ranking No.1 in uncontested possessions after eight rounds with 1856 at an average of 232 per game. Half-backs Sam Mitchell (155) and Grant Birchall (152) have led the way, ranking second and third respectively among all players, behind only Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes. Gold Coast rates 12th, averaging 199.5 uncontested possessions per game.
3. The Hawks are also leaders in marks inside forward 50, averaging 14.6 per game compared to Gold Coast's 12.5 (ranked ninth). Hawthorn has had a spread of options, with Jarryd Roughead (20 marks inside 50), Franklin (16) and David Hale (15) all ranked in the AFL's top 20. In his two games since serving his six-game suspension, Sun Campbell Brown has provided an excellent target for his midfielders, taking eight marks inside 50.
4. While Hawthorn has done an outstanding job of finding teammates in space by hand and foot, Gold Coast has shown more inclination to run. The Suns have taken 91 running bounces so far this season, ranked sixth in the AFL. The Hawks are 14th, having taken only 69 bounces.
5. Mitchell's big game against the Giants last week propelled him from 12th to ninth in the Official AFL Player Ratings, giving Hawthorn three players inside the top 10. The others are Cyril Rioli (sixth, despite his injury) and Franklin (10th). Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett sits clear on top of the ratings, while young midfielder Harley Bennell (ranked 59) is on the rise.
6. Ablett and Mitchell lead the AFL in disposals this season. Along with Essendon captain Jobe Watson, they are the only players averaging more than 30 touches per game this year.
