MATCH PREVIEW: Gold Coast v GIANTS

NEAFL ROUND 17

Sunday, July 28, 2019
Gold Coast SUNS (8th) v GIANTS (5th)
Metricon Stadium, 12:00PM

SUMMARY

The SUNS and the GIANTS meet coming fresh off big losses last weekend. The SUNS had the task of facing the unbeaten Lions at the Gabba with the Gold Coast outfit unable to slow down the rampaging Lions, going down by 79 points.

The GIANTS faced the in-form Aspley and went down by 64 points at home. This match looms as a massive match for both sides as the SUNS look to stay in touch with the top six and a finals berth whilst the GIANTS strive for a top four place going into finals.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 9, 2019: GIANTS 11.19 (85) def. SUNS 6.6 (42) at GIANTS Stadium
Round 3, 2019: GIANTS (14.10 (94) def. SUNS 8.8 (56) at Blacktown
Round 19, 2018: GIANTS 20.9 (129) def. SUNS 9.5 (59) at Metricon Stadium

TALKING POINTS

1. What makes this game such an interesting matchup is both sides have been ravaged by injury. In a season where Brisbane has miraculously managed near no injuries the GIANTS and SUNS are both on the receiving end of a list of injuries. For the GIANTS the list looks more daunting with only Lachlan Keefe listed as a test amongst the return dates. Whilst the Gold Coast seem set for some relief with Jack Bowes, Ben Ainsworth and Jordan Murdoch set to return this week easing the pressure.
2. For Greater Western Sydney, Kieren Briggs was phenomenal in the loss to Aspley. Briggs given the ruck duties in the absence of Matt Flynn and Lachlan Keeffe, played out of his skin to total 46 hit outs as well as 18 disposals, seven marks and five tackles. Beside Briggs the GIANTS star midfield duo of Nick Shipley and Jackson Hately were also impressive; Hately finishing with 29 disposals and Shipley 25 disposals.
3. What SUNS side are we going to see? The SUNS start to the year saw them start the season 0-4 before a mid-year revival saw them claim the scalps of top two contenders Sydney and Southport which seemed to spark the run the SUNS needed to play finals football. Now off the back of a disappointing loss to Sydney University and a harsh lesson from the Lions, finals seem an unlikely destination for the SUNS.

ROOKIE WATCH

SUNS academy player Connor Budarick was impressive in his side’s loss last weekend. Budarick collected 20 disposals to go alongside eight tackles. Back to back 20+ disposal games for the young young bodes well for his AFL Draft chances come this November.

STATS THAT MATTER

The midfield battle will be a good one to watch this week. The SUNS are ranked No.2 in the competition for clearances but the GIANTS hit their opposition where it hurts – on the scoreboard. The GIANT are ranked No.2 in the competition for scores from stoppages this year, with Nick Shipley the highest ranked player at the club with 64 points scored by his own foot.

PREDICTION

The GIANTS in a close one by 15 points.

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