SUMMARY
Both teams have badly underperformed from their pre-season expectations, but are coming off excellent wins and should provide an entertaining contest. The Power were tipped as premiership contenders and will now miss the top eight, but are fresh off a huge upset victory over reigning premier Hawthorn, where most of their big guns fired. Despite a nightmare season, the Suns have strung together an excellent two months, including wins over Essendon and the Brisbane Lions and a draw against West Coast in the past four weeks. They are undermanned, but have shown plenty of spirit since the bye. The Power should have too much class, but don't be surprised if the Suns give some cheek.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, August 29, 7.20pm
AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R21, 2014, Port Adelaide 7.14 (56) d Gold Coast 7.5 (47) at Metricon Stadium
R21, 2013, Port Adelaide 16.17 (113) d Gold Coast 14.12 (96) at AAMI Stadium
R4, 2013, Port Adelaide 16.8 (104) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2012, Port Adelaide 17.16 (118) d Gold Coast 10.10 (70) at Metricon Stadium
R5, 2011, Gold Coast 15.14 (104) d Port Adelaide 15.11 (101) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was a slog in wet, heavy conditions when the teams last met. The Power kicked just two first-half goals, but ruckman Matthew Lobbe proved the difference with his 16 disposals, 12 tackles and 56 hit-outs.
2. Despite an inconsistent season the Power has been a strong tackling team, ranked third with 71.7 a game. The Suns are ranked ninth at 67 a game.
3. Port Adelaide has won four of the five clashes between the clubs, with Gold Coast’s only victory coming in 2011 – its first ever in the AFL.
4. The Power are ranked equal second in 2015 for clearances, averaging 42.2 a game, while Gold Coast has struggled, ranked 12th with an average of 38.7.
5. Gold Coast has not won two games in a row all season, although its draw with West Coast was followed by a win over the Lions. Port Adelaide has now four of its last five.
6. After his 3.3 against the Bombers last week, Tom Lynch is now ranked sixth overall among key forwards in the AFL Official Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Charlie Dixon Providing the power forward overcomes his ankle injury to play, Dixon will line up against a club that hopes to have him in its colours next season. Port is reportedly right into the out-of-contract 24-year-old and a big bag of goals will do Dixon's price-tag no harm – wherever he ends up.
PREDICTION: Power by 26 points
