GARY leaves a huge hole in the Gold Coast line up, but last week's win over Collingwood proved there is plenty of grit and fight in this young Suns side. With no available players on the bench in the final term, Gold Coast held off the Pies to snatch an inspiring win that will certainly give them confidence heading into the clash with the Bulldogs. The Dogs have adjusted their preparations slightly this week to acclimatise to the warmer conditions in Cairns. They challenged the Cats for most of last Sunday's game in difficult conditions, but failed to capitalise on the scoreboard.

WHERE AND WHEN: Cazaly's Stadium, Saturday July 12, 4.40pm AEST


LAST FIVE TIMES
R17, 2013: Gold Coast 18.11 (119) d Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74) at Metricon Stadium
R8, 2013: Gold Coast 13.15 (93) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Metricon Stadium
R8, 2012: Western Bulldogs 9.18 (72) d Gold Coast 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium
R14, 2011: Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) d Gold Coast 13.10 (88) at Metricon Stadium
R3, 2011: Western Bulldogs 18.14 (122) d Gold Coast 7.9 (51) at Etihad Stadium

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THE SIX POINTS
1. In the Suns' comfortable win over the Bulldogs in round 10 at Metricon Stadium, key forwards Charlie Dixon and Tom Lynch booted four goals each, while Dion Prestia starred with 35 possessions.

2.Gold Coast is no stranger to Cazaly's Stadium, having played in Cairns three times for two wins, both thrilling victories over Richmond.

3. The Suns are the equal best clearance side in the competition along with Greater Western Sydney, averaging 41.7 per game, while the Bulldogs are ranked equal fourth at 40.4 per game.

4. The Bulldogs continue to be the No.1 tackling side in 2014, averaging 76.1 per game. Tom Liberatore is the best tackler in the League with a total of 136, 17 more the second-ranked player, Tom Rockliff. 

5. Star Suns captain Gary Ablett will be a huge loss; this season he is ranked fourth for kicks, first for disposals, fifth for handballs, fourth for inside 50s, first for contested possessions and first for clearances.

6. Ablett the No.1 player in the competition according to the AFL's Official Player Ratings; in his absence, the Suns' highest-ranked player is midfielder Dion Prestia, who is now at No.40 after starting the year at No. 93.

Prediction: Gold Coast by 15 points.