SUMMARY
This game has the potential to get very, very ugly. Richmond is the reigning premier and has shown no sign of slowing down this year, currently on top of the ladder and heading for the minor premiership, while the Suns are floundering in 17th spot and fresh off losing to bottom team Carlton and being flogged by Melbourne in the past fortnight. The Tigers have built their game on pressure, and even if it's not at peak levels against the Suns, it's hard to see how Gold Coast can get anywhere near their opponents. Jack Riewoldt is playing the best footy of his career, and his match-up with Suns skipper Steven May should be a good one, but the Tigers have far too much depth and far too much run in their midfield. Aside from stars Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin, the likes of Kane Lambert, Shane Edwards and former Sun Josh Caddy are having excellent seasons. The only glimmer of hope for the hosts is their upset of Sydney just three matches ago, but it's hard to see this match being anything but one-way traffic.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, August 11, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R19, 2017, Richmond 14.14 (98) d Gold Coast 10.5 (65) at Metricon Stadium
R12, 2016, Richmond 17.12 (114) d Gold Coast 15.7 (97) at the MCG
R20, 2015, Richmond 22.6 (138) d Gold Coast 8.7 (55) at the MCG
R1, 2014, Gold Coast 12.15 (87) d Richmond 10.9 (69) at Metricon Stadium
R16, 2013, Richmond 6.17 (53) d Gold Coast 6.8 (44) at Cazalys Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Dustin Martin was the star the last time these teams played with 34 disposals, one goal and seven clearances. Aaron Hall had 40 touches and 10 inside 50s for the Suns.
2. There is a big difference between the sides in scoring this season; Richmond is ranked second kicking a total of 265 goals and Gold Coast last with just 158.
3. This is the eighth meeting between the clubs and Richmond holds a narrow 4-3 advantage. The Tigers have won the past three matches but are yet to win from four interstate games in 2018.
4. One possible advantage for Gold Coast could be tackling, ranked second with an average of 71.5 a game. Richmond is ranked 13th with 63.1 a game.
5. It will be a contest between the best final-quarter team this season and the worst. The Tigers are ranked first with plus-222 points and the Suns last with minus-264 points.
6. Kane Lambert's rise continued last week with 31 disposals against Geelong. The Richmond midfielder has reached a career-high 48th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
After missing the loss against Melbourne through suspension and also seeing fellow co-captain Tom Lynch announce he wanted to leave last week, Steven May needs to lead from the front. He should man Jack Riewoldt – possibly the best forward in the game – and take the challenge to show his teammates he means business.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 80 points
