SUMMARY
This should be a huge day for the Suns, with Gary Ablett due to play his 300th game if he overcomes a calf injury that forced him out of last week's match against St Kilda. Regardless of whether the little champion plays or not, Gold Coast is down to almost its last chance to keep its top-eight dreams alive after successive losses in the past fortnight. They were competitive but lacked polish against the Saints and face a Kangaroos outfit that has show spirit all season without quite getting the rewards – with last week's one-point loss to the Western Bulldogs a case in point. Both midfields have strong inside players, and the result might hinge on how well the Suns cope with North's tall forwards. Gold Coast is generally a much better team at home and should get away with this one.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, July 1, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2017, North Melbourne 16.11 (107) d Gold Coast 14.10 (94) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2016, North Melbourne 18.11 (119) d Gold Coast 11.15 (81) at Metricon Stadium
R14, 2015, Gold Coast 19.11 (125) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Metricon Stadium
R7, 2014, Gold Coast 18.12 (120) d North Melbourne 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2013, Gold Coast 9.12 (66) d North Melbourne 8.3 (51) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Ben Brown was the star earlier this season, kicking six goals. For the Suns, Ablett was at his brilliant best, collecting 45 disposals and kicking one goal.
2. The Suns remain a high disposal team, ranked third with 408.4 a game, winning the disposal count nine times this season. In contrast, the Kangaroos are ranked 15th.
3. The clubs face off for the ninth time, with North Melbourne holding a 5-3 lead. They also hold a 3-2 lead for matches played at Metricon Stadium.
4. No team bounces the ball more than the Suns, averaging 11.8 a game thanks largely to Adam Saad, who has bounced the ball 61 times this season – 26 more than any other player.
5. North Melbourne is two losses from three interstate trips so far in 2017 after losing its last four interstate games in 2016.
6. Suns midfielder Jarryd Lyons continued his terrific season last weekend, finishing with 26 disposals and seven clearances. He has now moved to 42nd overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings – up from 127th at the start of the season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Gary Ablett
It's take two, but Ablett is expected to line up for the 300th match of his glittering career. If the dual Brownlow medalist doesn't pass his fitness test during the week, Suns co-captain Steven May will be the sole milestone man, playing his 100th game and having a huge task to help stop the Kangaroos' tall forward line.
PREDICTION: Gold Coast by 15 points
