SUMMARY
What a week it's been for Essendon with the resignation of coach James Hird. The Bombers were humiliated by Adelaide last weekend, capping off a horror stretch of matches that included beltings from St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs. Usually there's a spike in performances when an interim coach takes over, so will Matthew Egan have that effect? They come up against a Gold Coast outfit that looks out on its legs after suffering a 83-point loss to Richmond last start. Throw in season-ending injuries to Tom Nicholls, Jarrod Harbrow and Trent McKenzie on top of an already long list and the Suns' cupboard is looking bare. Who has enough fight to notch a rare win late in the season?
 
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, August 22, 4.35pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
 
LAST FOUR TIMES
R22, 2014, Essendon 16.12 (108) d Gold Coast 13.11 (89) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2013, Essendon 17.13 (115) d Gold Coast 11.6 (72) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2012, Essendon 15.15 (105) d Gold Coast 13.10 (88) at Metricon Stadium
R6, 2011, Essendon 31.11 (197) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
 
THE SIX POINTS
1. With his 28 disposals and three goals, Brendon Goddard collected the three Brownlow votes the last time these sides met. Michael Hurley starred in defence before moving forward and kicking two goals to go with 27 touches and 12 marks.
 
2. It's the first time since 1987 the Bombers have lost two games in one season by more than 100 points. Since round 14 they are 1-6 and conceding 119 points a game.
 
3. Essendon remains undefeated from their four clashes with the Suns. After demolishing the Suns by 139 points when they first met in 2011, the Bombers have been pushed all the way in two of the past three.
 
4. The Bombers average just 70.6 points a game, ranked 16th. They are the most inaccurate team in the competition, successfully converting just 45 percent of their shots at goal.
 
5. Gold Coast has been strong this season in centre clearances, ranked equal sixth with 12.9 a game. Essendon is equal 14th at 11.1 a game.
 
6. Aaron Hall's 29 disposals against Richmond continued a brilliant month. The forward-turned-midfielder has risen 48 places in the AFL Official Player Ratings in the past four weeks to a career-high 220th.
 
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matthew Egan
While there's no pressure on the Bombers' interim coach, it's still a big moment for anyone coaching a senior AFL team. The former Geelong defender is just 32 and has leap-frogged the likes of Mark Harvey, Neil Craig and Mark Neeld to take charge in the final three games.

PREDICTION: Suns by 12 points