SUMMARY
After a horror past fortnight for both clubs, this looms as a crucial clash. The Suns were deplorable against Port Adelaide in China and dished up more of the same in a second-half fadeout against Melbourne that leaves their finals hopes in big trouble. However, with Gary Ablett back, and a strong record at Metricon Stadium, they're not without a chance against a spluttering West Coast. After a strong start to 2017, the Eagles have wobbled lately, losing poorly to Essendon and then stumbling against an injury-ravaged GWS last weekend. Throw in the loss of star forward Josh Kennedy (calf) – who always feasts against the Suns – and the ledger between these clubs seems to have been squared. It's difficult to pick the inconsistent Suns, but it wouldn't be a total shock if they sprung an upset here.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, June 3, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2016, West Coast 20.12 (132) d Gold Coast 7.13 (55) at Domain Stadium
R18, 2015, Gold Coast 12.11 (83) drew West Coast 11.17 (83) at Metricon Stadium
R7, 2015, West Coast 21.9 (135) d Gold Coast 6.7 (43) at Domain Stadium
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 Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The contest was effectively over by half-time when the teams last played, with the Eagles kicking nine goals to two by the main break. They booted 11 goals to five in the second half with Josh Kennedy finishing with five goals for the match and Luke Shuey 26 disposals.
2. Gold Coast continues to be the highest disposal team in 2017, averaging 416 a game, but are 10th for contested possessions. West Coast is eighth for disposals and 15th for contested possessions.
3. Gold Coast is yet to defeat West Coast from eight contests, with a draw in 2015 their best result. The Eagles have won by more than 50 points on four occasions.
4. Neither team has been strong in tackling this season. The Suns are ranked last with 59.2 a game, while the Eagles are 16th at an average of 65.6.
5. Josh Kennedy's absence will hurt the Eagles. He has kicked 35 goals in seven games against the Suns – including bags of eight and seven – and has not missed a game since round 17, 2014.
6. Gold Coast midfielder Aaron Hall continues to climb the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Hall had 29 disposals against Melbourne last week and has moved to 35th place overall, up from 96th at the start of the season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Darling.
With his forward partner Josh Kennedy missing, the Eagles will be looking squarely to Darling as their main avenue to goal. The 24-year-old has had a solid season to date, kicking 19 goals from his nine appearances, and a day out against the Suns would help his team to a much-needed victory.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 14 points
