SUMMARY
Coming off their maiden win in Melbourne last weekend, the Suns will be out to create another first against the Bulldogs on Saturday – trying to win back-to-back matches for the first time in the club's history. Gold Coast ran riot against the Demons, winning by 60 points, while the Bulldogs continue to be competitive with not much to show for it after a 54-point loss against North Melbourne. Both have been predicted to finish near the bottom of the ladder, but have shown some improvement in 2013, both being ranked in the competition's upper echelon for contested possessions. The midfield match-up between Gary Ablett and Jaeger O'Meara up against Ryan Griffen and Matthew Boyd should be a beauty. A win for the Suns would move them to 4-4 and already surpass the three wins achieved in both 2011 and 2012.

WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday May 18, 4.40pm


LAST THREE TIMES
Rd 8, 2012, Western Bulldogs 9.18 (72) d Gold Coast 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium
Rd 14, 2011, Western Bulldogs 17.8 (110) d Gold Coast 13.10 (88) at Metricon Stadium
Rd 3, 2011, Western Bulldogs 18.14 (122) d Gold Coast 7.9 (51) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. The Western Bulldogs defeated the Gold Coast in the most recent clash between the teams, winning a low-scoring contest by 38 points in round eight, 2012 at TIO Stadium.

2. Gary Ablett enjoys an impressive record against the Bulldogs, kicking 23 goals in 18 games. He has also polled 14 Brownlow votes.

3. In their three clashes with the Bulldogs, Gold Coast has kicked an average score of 57 points, compared to the Bulldogs' 101.

4. Did you know the Bulldogs' first trip to Metricon Stadium, formerly Carrara, was in round 21, 1987 with a big win over the Brisbane Bears? Simon Beasley kicked 10 goals for the winners.

5. Both teams have been strong in contested possessions this season, with Gold Coast ranked third and the Western Bulldogs fourth.

6. Three of the top 20 players in the AFL will be on the field on Saturday. Suns skipper Gary Ablett is ranked No.1 in the Official AFL Player Ratings, while Bulldogs midfielders Ryan Griffen (18) and Matthew Boyd (19) are also in the top echelon.