SUMMARY
Sitting seventh, the Bulldogs have another chance to underline their finals credentials, but a win won't come easy against a Gold Coast side now featuring Gary Ablett. The Suns looked a far better side with their skipper back from injury and will be confident of causing an upset. While the Dogs have won three on the trot, they haven’t been at their best and will be looking for a far more consistent performance.
WHERE AND WHEN: Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns, Saturday 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bulldogs dominated the Suns last time the sides met; 420-305 disposals, 78-61 marks, 58-38 inside 50s and Jack Macrae starred racking up a career-high 43 possessions.
2. Gold Coast hasn’t been a strong marking team in 2015; ranked last for marks per game with only 73.2 per game compared to the Bulldogs - ranked 13th with 84.2.
3. The Western Bulldogs hold a clear advantage over Gold Coast winning four of six games; they won the first three clashes before the Suns won back-to-back games.
4. Last week Gold Coast kicked its highest score of the season, 19.11 (125); had 339 disposals, 66-56 inside 50s, Gary Ablett had 31 possessions and three goals and Charlie Dixon booted a club record seven goals.
5. This will be the Dogs’ second home game in Cairns, the Suns are no strangers to Cazaly’s Stadium; four games for two wins, both victories occurring narrowly against Richmond.
6. Neither side been strong for marking the ball inside 50 this season; the Bulldogs are equal 14th at 9.6 per game while the Suns are 18th at 8.1 per game.
Past five meetings
R17, 2014, Western Bulldogs 13.16 (94) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at Cazaly’s Stadium
R10, 2014, Gold Coast 18.11 (119) d Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74) at Metricon Stadium
R8, 2013, Gold Coast 13.15 (93) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Metricon Stadium
R8, 2012, Western Bulldogs 9.18 (72) d Gold Coast 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium
R14, 2011, Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) d Gold Coast 13.10 (88) at Metricon Stadium
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Charlie Dixon. Out of contract at season's end and in demand, the key forward should be looking to add consistency to his game and size to his next deal. The 24-year-old kicked seven goals last week, but had only five touches and failed to kick a goal the game before. If Dixon fires against a young and inexperienced Dogs backline, the Suns are big chance to win.
AFL.com.au prediction: Western Bulldogs by 18 points
