SUMMARY
Even the most optimistic Gold Coast supporter would be concerned about what might await the Suns in Launceston. The Hawks remained on the 'win one week, lose the next' rollercoaster last round following a gripping four-point loss in the Grand Final rematch – and that spells danger for the Suns. So far this season, the Hawks been ruthless rebounding from losses – winning by an average margin of 78 points the next game – and they haven't been beaten at Aurora Stadium in 12 starts. Gold Coast has lost three on the trot and the injury-hit squad faces a huge challenge breaking their duck against the reigning premiers.
WHERE AND WHEN: Aurora Stadium, Saturday, May 30, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2014, Hawthorn 17.14 (116) d Gold Coast 10.3 (63) at Aurora Stadium
R4, 2014, Hawthorn 23.10 (148) d Gold Coast 7.7 (49) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2013, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Gold Coast 14.8 (92) at the MCG
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn has won all six meetings with the Suns by an average margin of 54 points. The closest contest saw the Hawks get up by nine points in round 24, 2011.
2. Despite the Hawks' 4-4 start to 2015, they have taken the ball inside 50 more than any side (60.7 per game), while the Suns have struggled getting the ball forward (47 per game, equal 15th in the League).
3. It will be a battle between this season's best clearance teams; Hawthorn and the Suns are equal first for this stat with a total of 343 at 42.9 per game.
4. Gold Coast's challenge to break its duck against Hawthorn will be even more difficult at Aurora Stadium. The Hawks have won their past 12 matches stretching back to round 5, 2012 - a 37-point loss to the Sydney Swans.
5. Hawthorn has marked the ball inside 50 more than any other side, with a total of 125 at 15.6 per game, while the Suns are ranked 18th with only 8.2 per game.
6. Gold Coast has six players ranked inside the top 100 in the Official AFL Player Ratings, but in a sign of their injury woes only Dion Prestia and Harley Bennell played in last weekend's loss to Collingwood.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Andrew Raines. The Suns tagger seems the most likely option for a shutdown role on Sam Mitchell, and there's few tougher tasks given the Hawthorn star's current form. Mitchell shook off Ben McGlynn and racked up 32 touches last week, continuing his stellar run of performances over the past month.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 68 points
