SUMMARY
Gold Coast's backline fought manfully against North Melbourne's tall forwards, with Trent McKenzie and Sam Day giving their all in the absence of Steven May (suspended) and Rory Thompson (ankle). However, the Suns' main problem last week was in the engine room, particularly in centre clearances (19-10 in North's favour). Dion Prestia has been named in the squad and will help boost the onball unit after a bout of gastro sidelined him last week, but the Suns will struggle to restrict star Cats Patrick Dangerfield and skipper Joel Selwood. Geelong is aiming for its fourth straight win after a spiteful victory over Port Adelaide, and will be tough to beat at its favoured venue with a number of key Suns missing, including Michael Rischitelli (shoulder) and Adam Saad (hip).
The Suns will need another big haul from Tom Lynch to upset the Cats. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Saturday, April 30, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2015, Geelong 16.9 (105) d Gold Coast 13.18 (96) at Simonds Stadium
R14, 2014, Gold Coast 17.16 (118) d Geelong 11.12 (78) at Metricon Stadium
R10, 2013, Geelong 18.15 (123) d Gold Coast 10.11 (71) at Simonds Stadium
R15, 2012, Geelong 15.20 (110) d Gold Coast 13.18 (96) at Metricon Stadium
R20, 2011, Geelong 29.14 (188) d Gold Coast 6.2 (38) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Joel Selwood was the difference when the sides last met, finishing with 38 disposals, 12 clearances, six tackles and six inside 50s.
2. It will be a battle of the top two teams for marks inside 50 so far in 2016. The Cats are No.1 with 15.8 per game, while the Suns are next with 15.
3. Geelong has won five of the six contests between the sides. The nine-point margin in round three last season was the closest so far.
4. The Cats have won six of nine games at Simonds Stadium since the start of 2015, including their last five matches.
5. The game will feature two of the top three contested marking players, led by Tom Lynch with a total of 18 and Tom Hawkins, equal-second with 14.
6. Forward Peter Wright scored the most points in the Schick AFL Player Ratings during the Suns-Roos clash, climbing 48 places from No.640 to No.592 overall. He's one to watch closely.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom Lynch
The Suns' spearhead shot to the top of the AFL Coaches Association player of the year award this week and leads the Coleman Medal race with 22 goals. The 23-year-old will need to kick a bag if the Suns are any chance of causing an upset, provided the midfield supply improves from last week.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 39 points.
