The first time these sides met, in 2011, Essendon produced a VFL/AFL record 15-goal first term to blow away the Suns. The next time, in round three last year, the Bombers just sneaked over the line in the wet at Metricon Stadium. The clubs enter this clash in different positions, with the Bombers looking to hold down a top-four spot and the Suns confident on the back of a strong win over North Melbourne. If Essendon wins the midfield battle then its wealth of tall options should have a good day, but the Suns are building and will produce a competitive effort. 

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday June 15, 7.40pm

Rd 3, 2012, Essendon 15.15 (105) d Gold Coast 13.10 (88) at Metricon Stadium

Rd 6, 2011, Essendon 31.11 (197) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium

1. Essendon's mid-season slumps are well documented, and they are reflected in the club's round-12 meetings over the last nine years – the Bombers have lost seven of them. 

2. Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett is the Brownlow Medal favourite and has some strong form against the Bombers. In 14 games against Essendon, Ablett has kicked 19 goals and polled 11 Brownlow votes. 

3. Despite three losses in its past five games, Essendon remains highly ranked for their defensive mindset. The Bombers have conceded an average of 81 points a game – sixth best in the competition. 

4. The Suns are in the best form of their short life as an AFL club. Guy McKenna's men have won four of their past seven games and a win against the Bombers would push them into finals contention.  

5. Essendon remains the number-one ranked side for inside-50 entries in 2013, averaging 58.6 a game. Gold Coast, averaging 43.6 entries a game, will need to make the most of its chances on Saturday night. 

6. Jake Carlisle's prominence as an emerging star of the competition has yet to be reflected in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Carlisle is ranked 198th in the competition – 14th at Essendon – but is surely due for a rise soon.