SUMMARY
The Suns continued their perfect start to the season with an easy win over Carlton at the weekend and are strongly favoured to do the same to the Lions. Tom Lynch and Jack Martin have kicked 22 goals between them in three weeks, while Aaron Hall (averaging 36 disposals a week) and Gary Ablett (31) are driving the team from the midfield. The Lions might be 'Big Brother' in this match-up, but need to improve their ball use to give the Suns a run. They have competed strongly for parts of each of their three losses, but lapses in concentration have been costly. If the Suns want to play finals for the first time, they have to win matches like these.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Saturday, April 16, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Daniel Merrett is a veteran of QClashes. Picture: AFL Media
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2015, Gold Coast Suns 17.12 (114) d Brisbane Lions 14.16 (100) at the Gabba
R5, 2015, Gold Coast Suns 18.10 (118) d Brisbane Lions 7.12 (54) at Metricon Stadium
R18, 2014, Brisbane Lions 16.14 (110) d Gold Coast Suns 8.8 (56) at the Gabba
R3, 2014, Gold Coast Suns 17.12 (114) d Brisbane Lions 9.7 (61) at Metricon Stadium
R15, 2013, Brisbane Lions 17.14 (116) d Gold Coast Suns 12.11 (83) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these teams played, the Suns set up victory in the third quarter with seven goals to four. Tom Lynch finished with five goals and Aaron Hall had 28 disposals. Pearce Hanley had 31 touches for the Lions.
2. Gold Coast's attack has been terrific in the first three rounds. It is ranked first for marks inside 50 and fourth for inside 50s and points scored. Tom Lynch has the most goals in the competition and is ranked equal third for marks inside 50.
3. The Lions lead the 10 QClash battles 6-4, but Gold Coast has narrowed the gap recently, winning three of the past four.
4. The Lions are ranked last for total disposals after three weeks, last for contested possessions, and 17th for both marks and inside 50s.
5. Gold Coast will be aiming for four consecutive wins to start a season for the first time in its history, while the Lions will be hoping to prevent four straight losses to start a season for the third straight year.
6. With 25 disposals and six tackles last week, Dayne Zorko strengthened his grip on the number one midfielder/forward in the game, according to the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Zorko is now first in that category and a career-high 16th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …Daniel Merrett. The veteran defender has the difficult task of curbing Suns spearhead Tom Lynch. Geelong full forward Tom Hawkins kicked 4.4 against him on Sunday and Merrett now confronts the AFL's leading goalkicker who is full of confidence. He must not only curtail Lynch's influence, but help marshal a Lions defence that has conceded some soft goals.
PREDICTION: Gold Coast by 27 points
