SUMMARY
After a terribly disappointing round-one loss to Melbourne, Gold Coast will be out to turn things around quickly. The Suns will gladly welcome back centre half-forward Tom Lynch from suspension, and will hope skipper Gary Ablett is better second time up after a rusty comeback from shoulder surgery against Melbourne. Their pressure and intensity was terrible against the Demons, and it's something coach Rodney Eade will have little tolerance for a second time. While the Saints lost their season opener against Greater Western Sydney, you couldn't fault their commitment. If they can polish up a few little areas, they're every chance of scaring the Suns, but it's hard to see the home team being beaten in this one.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, April 11, 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2014, Gold Coast 17.15 (117) d St Kilda 9.10 (64) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2014, Gold Coast 19.11 (125) d St Kilda 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2013, St Kilda 17.14 (116) d Gold Coast 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
R1, 2013, Gold Coast 13.12 (90) d St Kilda 10.17 (77) at Metricon Stadium
R11, 2012, St Kilda 21.18 (144) d Gold Coast 7.7 (49) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In the Suns' two wins over the Saints in 2014, Gary Ablett starred in the first with 37 disposals and four goals, while it was Dion Prestia's turn to shine in the second victory, with 31 touches and three Brownlow Medal votes.
2. No team had the ball less in round one than Gold Coast. It had 301 disposals, including just 104 handballs.
3. Since the beginning of 2014, the Suns have averaged 94 points a game at home compared to just 80 away. They won seven of 11 matches at home last season.
4. St Kilda has lost its past 12 interstate matches, including the past five by more than 50 points. However, the Saints have played at Metricon Stadium nine times for five wins.
5. The Saints are one of many teams Ablett enjoys playing against. The Suns captain has kicked 28 goals in 21 games, averaged 23 disposals and has 13 Brownlow Medal votes.
6. In Nick Malceski, Gold Coast recruited one of the best small/medium defenders in the game. Despite his slow start against Melbourne, the former Swan is ranked third in his category – and 38th overall – in the Official AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Gary Ablett. By a mere mortal's standards, Ablett was solid against the Demons with his 19 disposals and two goals – but he's no mere mortal. While the Suns want to rely less on their skipper and dual Brownlow medalist, all eyes will be on Ablett to see just how he performs and just how his left shoulder stands up against the Saints.
PREDICTION: Gold Coast by 31 points
