THERE'S not many chinks in Richmond's armour, but Gold Coast is hoping it can expose one at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In what appears the mismatch of the season, the premiers head north to take on the wounded Suns, but carry with them an unwanted record.

"They've had four interstate trips this year and haven't won yet," young Gold Coast forward Brayden Crossley said on Friday.

"We're excited by the challenge."

The Tigers have lost away from home to Adelaide (round two, 36 points), West Coast (round nine, 47 points), Port Adelaide (round 12, 14 points) and Greater Western Sydney (round 17, two points) this season.

But it would take a brave person to suggest the Suns could even remotely challenge the Tigers, following a 96-point loss to Melbourne and defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Carlton in the past fortnight.

Crossley is optimistic though, both as a team and individually with his likely matchup against All Australian defender Alex Rance.

"Coming up against the reigning premiers, everyone gets a bit more excited for that challenge and wants to step up," he said.

"You could say it's pretty tough but it's all about learning in our first year. It's a great opportunity to make a name for myself and put a good foot forward for next year.

"We went interstate and beat Sydney a couple of weeks ago so if we can put together three-and-a-half or four quarters like we did then, we're really excited by it."

Crossley is one of six changes to Gold Coast's team after overcoming a fractured cheekbone in the win over the Swans three weeks ago.

Captain Steven May, David Swallow, Ben Ainsworth, Jarryd Lyons and Jesse Joyce are also returning.