SUMMARY
Melbourne had no right to lose Saturday's game against West Coast, but somehow the Demons managed it. Paul Roos' team had 91 more disposals, 29 more inside 50s and 14 more tackles than the Eagles, yet lost by six points. Wayward goalkicking, albeit in greasy conditions, was also an issue. The Demons will be keen to atone and Sunday's clash against the Suns presents them with that opportunity. Gold Coast's tall forwards had a day out against Fremantle, with Sam Day (four goals), Tom Lynch (four) and Peter Wright (three) combining for 11 of the Suns' 16 goals. The trio could again be the difference on Sunday.
Tom McDonald is no stranger to taking on big-name opponents. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, July 31, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2016, Melbourne 24.16 (160) d Gold Coast 14.3 (87) at Metricon Stadium
R1, 2015, Melbourne 17.13 (115) d Gold Coast 13.11 (89) at the MCG
R5, 2014, Gold Coast 11.20 (86) d Melbourne 11.12 (78) at the MCG
R20, 2013, Gold Coast 13.12 (90) d Melbourne 10.17 (77) at Metricon Stadium
R7, 2013, Gold Coast 16.18 (114) d Melbourne 7.12 (54) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1.Both teams kicked eight first-half goals in round seven, before Melbourne booted 16 to six in the second half (including nine third-quarter goals). Nathan Jones starred with 33 disposals and two goals.
2. Melbourne is ranked fourth in the AFL in contested possessions. The Suns are well down the list at 17th.
3. Melbourne and Gold Coast meet for the ninth time and the Demons hold the advantage, winning five games to three. Melbourne has now won the last two matches against the Suns.
4. The Demons are ranked fifth in the AFL for centre clearances, averaging 13.6 per game. The Suns have struggled out of the middle, ranked 13th with 11.9 per game.
5. The Suns have now won three of their past four matches, kicking 102 points per game. Melbourne has lost four of its last five, with its scoring per game dropping to 70 points.
6. Max Gawn has risen to No.22 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, after starting the season positioned 295th overall. Tom Lynch is Gold Coast's highest-ranked player at No.27.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Tom McDonald.
Gold Coast spearhead Tom Lynch looms as the game breaker for the Suns and Tom McDonald will be charged with the role of shutting him down. The Demons defender has had an up and down season, but Melbourne will be hoping he can step up in a big way at the MCG on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 19 points
