SUMMARY
The Etihad Stadium roof will prevent anything like the quagmire North Melbourne and Gold Coast played in up at Cairns in round one when they meet again on Sunday. The Suns snatched the points that day on their way to a 2-0 then 3-2 start, but they've since lost nine straight matches. The Roos, on the other hand, have bounded into finals contention, although a 17-point loss to Essendon on Sunday saw them slide to ninth spot. Not only will North be hell-bent on returning to the winner's list, but the Gold Coast clash also looms as a percentage-booster. Ben Brown will be keen to cash in after failing to kick a goal in the Cairns wet, but Rory Thompson or Steven May will try to prevent that. David Swallow, Touk Miller and Jarryd Lyons have a big role to play in the midfield against Shaun Higgins, Ben Cunnington and Jed Anderson.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, July 8, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2018, Gold Coast Suns 7.13 (55) d North Melbourne 5.9 (39) at Cazalys Stadium
R15, 2017, Gold Coast Suns 18.10 (118) d North Melbourne 14.15 (99) at Metricon Stadium
R6, 2017, North Melbourne 16.11 (107) d Gold Coast Suns 14.10 (94) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2016, North Melbourne 18.11 (119) d Gold Coast Suns 11.15 (81) at Metricon Stadium
R14, 2015, Gold Coast Suns 19.11 (125) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In shocking, wet conditions in round one the Suns set up their victory with five goals to four behinds in the second quarter. Jarrod Witts starred in the ruck with 25 disposals and 34 hit-outs.
2. There is a big difference in scoring power between the sides. The Kangaroos are fifth for scoring, kicking an average of 87 points per game compared to Gold Coast's 61.
3. The Suns have had the better of North recently, winning the last two matches and five of the last seven. There has only ever been one single-figure result between the sides – seven points in 2012.
4. Gold Coast is ranked last or second-last for disposals, contested possessions, effective disposal efficiency, contested marks, marks inside 50, centre clearances, inside 50s and goalkicking accuracy.
5. The teams have played three times at Etihad Stadium, with the Kangas leading 2-1. The Suns were successful at the venue in round two, defeating Carlton thanks to Tom Lynch's eight goals.
6. Gold Coast's Nick Holman recorded his best individual Schick AFL Player Rating game (18.3) against Collingwood on Saturday, while in-form Kangaroo Shaun Higgins is at a career-high ranking of 43rd.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Touk Miller will almost certainly run with one of Shaun Higgins or Ben Cunnington, while still trying to win his fair share of the Sherrin. Miller's ability, or inability, to keep them in check will go some way to the Suns being competitive.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 33 points
