SUMMARY
The Tigers and Suns will face off at the MCG for the first time on Sunday. Richmond is well and truly in the finals hunt, while September action is out of the question for Gold Coast but this clash could be closer than the sides' ladder positions suggest. Led by Tom Lynch, Gold Coast's forward line has fired of late and the Tigers will face stiff competition. Richmond has struggled in front of the big sticks, booting 10 goals or less in five of its six games since round 14. However, the Tigers' class, led by Dustin Martin and Brett Deledio, who is a likely inclusion from illness, should help them get over the line.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FOUR TIMES
R1, 2014, Gold Coast 12.15 (87) d Richmond 10.9 (69) at Metricon Stadium
R16, 2013, Richmond 6.17 (53) d Gold Coast 6.8 (44) at Cazalys Stadium
R16, 2012, Gold Coast 13.12 (90) d Richmond 13.10 (88) at Cazalys Stadium
R17, 2011, Gold Coast 12.13 (85) d Richmond 9.16 (70) at Cazalys Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast averages less disposals than any other side (323.3 per game). The Tigers are only marginally better, ranked 14th with 355.8 disposals per game.
2. This is the fourth meeting between the sides with Gold Coast holding a clear advantage winning three games, as well as two wins in Cairns at Cazalys Stadium.
3. Since round 14, the Tigers have kicked 10 goals or less in five of six games.
4. This match will mark the first time the Suns have played Richmond at the MCG.
5. The Suns average less marks inside 50 than any other side (9.3 per game). Richmond is eighth with 12.3 per game.
6. Gold Coast's Aaron Hall was the fifth-highest scoring player in the Official AFL Player Ratings last weekend, notching 24.3 points in the game against the Brisbane Lions.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Trent Cotchin.
Cotchin and his leadership group have been questioned in the past for allowing these kinds of games to fall out of their grasp. The Tigers skipper queried reporters' questions during the week about the 'typical' Richmond style leading to inconsistent performances. Breaking free of that tag, and getting the job done against a team like the Suns, is important as the Tigers mount their finals tilt.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 25 points
