SUMMARY
St Kilda has the better form line, but this match should be tight and a tough one to call. The Saints were terrific in upsetting Geelong last week, have won two on the trot and can move to an even 7-7 win-loss record with a victory over the Suns. It won't be easy though as, despite losing 10 straight matches, Gold Coast has shown improvement in recent weeks with some quality players returning from injury. They should have defeated Richmond and were gallant in defeat against Hawthorn last week. If the Saints can replicate the manic pressure they applied against the Cats, you'd fancy them to salute, but young teams often find it hard to back up following an against-the-odds win.
Mav Weller is set to renew hostilities with his former club. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, July 2, 1.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2015, St Kilda 16.8 (104) d Gold Coast 10.16 (76) at Metricon Stadium
R19, 2014, Gold Coast 17.15 (117) d St Kilda 9.10 (64) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2014, Gold Coast 19.11 (125) d St Kilda 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2013, St Kilda 17.14 (116) d Gold Coast 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2013, Gold Coast 13.12 (90) d St Kilda 10.17 (77) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. St Kilda set up its victory over Gold Coast last year with an eight goal to one second quarter. Josh Bruce kicked a career high six goals and David Armitage starred with 36 disposals.
2. The Saints are equal first for disposal efficiency in 2016, operating at 75.1 per cent, while in total contrast the Suns have struggled at 70.9 percent, ranked 17th.
3. St Kilda holds a 5-3 advantage in head-to-head match-ups, including three wins from five attempts at Metricon Stadium.
4. The Saints are ranked third for uncontested possessions this season, averaging 246.8 a game, while Gold Coast is ranked 15th with 213.5 a game.
5. The Suns are ranked 17th for average disposals, and continue to kick the ball less than any other team, averaging just 187.3 kicks a game.
6. In star forward Tom Lynch (36th overall), Gold Coast has just one player inside the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings, compared to St Kilda's four (Jack Steven, David Armitage, Leigh Montagna and Shane Savage).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Mav Weller
Not only is the rugged midfielder playing his 50th game in Saints colours, it happens to be against his former club. Weller thought he was hard done by when shown the door by the Suns at the end of 2013, but has revelled at his second club. He'd love nothing more than a win.
PREDICTION: Gold Coast by 10 points
