SUMMARY

West Coast is making one of the longest trips in the AFL for what looks like an absolute mismatch at Metricon Stadium. The Eagles are in second place, and red-hot after a 52-point demolition of the Sydney Swans, while their opponent Gold Coast is second last and coming off a 45-point loss against Adelaide and the devastating season-ending knee injury to skipper Gary Ablett. The teams have already met once this season, and that ended in a 92-point hiding handed out by the Eagles at Domain Stadium. They have midfield depth and forward line potency as good as any team in the competition, while the Suns seemingly lose another topline player to the medical room every week. Gold Coast has been good at home, but there's no chance the Eagles let this one slip.

WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, August 1, 7.20pm
 AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

R7, 2015, West Coast 21.9 (135) d Gold Coast 6.7 (43) at Subiaco Oval
R23, 2014, West Coast 23.13 (151) d Gold Coast 15.9 (99) at Metricon Stadium
R13, 2014, West Coast 15.13 (103) d Gold Coast 15.10 (100) at Subiaco Oval
R19, 2013, West Coast 20.10 (130) d Gold Coast 17.11 (113) at Subiaco Oval
R14, 2012, West Coast 25.16 (166) d Gold Coast 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval

THE SIX POINTS

1. West Coast kicked seven goals to one in the first half earlier this season and then buried the Suns with 14 to five in the second. Elliot Yeo starred with 29 disposals and four goals. Matt Priddis had 39 touches and two goals.

2. The Eagles have impressed with their marking inside 50 this season, ranked second with 13.3 a game, compared to the Suns who are ranked 17th with only 8.9 a game.

3. Gold Coast has not beaten West Coast yet. The Eagles have traditionally monstered their younger rivals, averaging 128 points a game and kicking 20 goals or more on three occasions.

4. It should be a good battle in the centre square, with both teams strong at centre clearances in 2015. The Eagles are ranked second and the Suns fourth.

5. West Coast is a potent attacking team, kicking 250 goals (15.6 a game) this season, compared to Gold Coast's 168.

6. Gold Coast pair Touk Miller and Adam Saad have had brilliant debut seasons. They are now ranked first and second respectively among first-year players in the AFL Official Player Ratings.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Josh Kennedy
Well, it could be a big week for the West Coast full forward if history is any guide. He just loves playing the Suns. In five matches against Gold Coast, the Coleman Medal leader has kicked 28 goals, including bags of eight and seven last season. He also kicked four when the teams met in round seven and was subbed off at three quarter time. Rory Thompson has struggled against Kennedy in the past, so Steven May could well get the first crack.

PREDICTION: Eagles by 45 points