SUMMARY
This match will be important in deciding the make-up of the top eight. St Kilda took a positive step towards finding its best form when it beat North Melbourne last week to snap a three-game losing streak, while Gold Coast was beaten at home against Carlton. One of the more interesting points will be whether either side opts to use a tagger. Jack Steven was kept quiet against the Roos by Declan Mountford, however he still managed to have an impact, booting two goals at the end of the first half. Meanwhile, Gary Ablett copped plenty of attention from Ed Curnow and the rest of the Blues, and will likely be targeted by the Saints. Whether either team can put the clamps on the opposition's gun midfielder will go a long way towards deciding the victor.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, June 25, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2016, Gold Coast Suns 15.18 (108) d St Kilda 8.20 (68) at Metricon Stadium
R2, 2015, St Kilda 16.8 (104) d Gold Coast Suns 10.16 (76) at Metricon Stadium
R19, 2014, Gold Coast Suns 17.15 (117) d St Kilda 9.10 (64) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2014, Gold Coast Suns 19.11 (125) d St Kilda 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2013, St Kilda 17.14 (116) d Gold Coast Suns 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the teams played in 2016, Gold Coast dominated the disposal count but lost the inside-50s, tackles and clearances. Michael Rischitelli was best on ground with 33 disposals, six tackles and four clearances.
2. Gold Coast is the No. 1 centre clearance team in 2017, averaging 15.5 per game. However, in overall clearances they are mid-table with an average of 36.9 per game.
3. St Kilda and Gold Coast meet for the 10th time and the Saints hold a narrow advantage, winning five games to four.
4. The Saints have struggled in front of goal this season kicking 145.165, compared to the Suns' 157.136.
5. No team has bounced the football more in 2017 than the Suns, with 11.7 per game. Meanwhile, the Saints average of 7.3.
6. Saints onballer Seb Ross is at a career-high mark in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, at No. 46.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Gary Ablett
The superstar Sun hits the 300-game milestone in a career that has him placed as one of the greatest players to step onto an AFL field.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 14 points
