THE AFL's two newest clubs have again shown improvement this season and cross paths on Saturday. Gold Coast has won three of its first five and is coming off a narrow win against Melbourne, while GWS is two from five but fresh from a hiding at the hands of Adelaide. These teams will be compared until one wins a premiership, and with the Suns a year further advanced, will go into this one as favourites. They have a good recent record at Metricon – 10 wins from their past 16 matches – and despite missing regulars Harley Bennell (calf) and Clay Cameron (shoulder), have a relatively settled line-up. The Giants have the grunt, but the Suns have pace to burn and should get home in this one.



 
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday April 26, 1.40pm
 
 
PAST FOUR TIMES
R23, 2013, Gold Coast 22.14 (146) d GWS 9.9 (63) at Metricon Stadium
R5, 2013, Gold Coast 21.22 (148) d GWS 16.8 (104) at Manuka Oval
R20, 2012, Gold Coast 16.13 (109) d GWS 12.7 (79) at Metricon Stadium
R7, 2012, GWS 13.16 (94) d Gold Coast 9.13 (67) at Manuka Oval
 
THE SIX POINTS
1. In Gold Coast's big win in the final round of 2013, it dominated most statistical categories, including disposals (391-353), tackles (60-55), scoring shots (35-18) and inside 50s (61-36).
 
2. Both teams are struggling to get the ball this season, with Gold Coast ranked 15th for total disposals, and GWS 16th.
 
3. They are, however, super strong at clearances. The Giants are ranked second in the competition with 44.2 a game, and the Suns third at 42.8.
 
4. In four matches between the clubs, Gary Ablett has polled four Brownlow Medal votes with one best on ground performance, while Charlie Dixon and Dion Prestia have each polled three votes.
 
5. Both clubs have improved defensively in 2014. Last season the Suns conceded 95 points a game and are now down to 88, while the Giants have dropped remarkably, from 135 to 91 a game.
 
6. Adam Treloar continued to march up the Official AFL Player Ratings, jumping five spots to 112th overall with his 23 touches against Adelaide. The 20-year-old is now the third ranked Giant behind experienced Callan Ward and Heath Shaw.
 
Prediction: Gold Coast by 29 points