Gold Coast’s clash with Fremantle could determine which side finishes higher on the ladder, come season’s end.
The Suns, who sit 15th, are two games clear of Freo, though Ross Lyon’s men hold a marginal percentage advantage.
The last time
Round two, 2016: Gold Coast 19.12 (126) def Fremantle 14.16 (100)
After a tightly contested first quarter, the Suns piled on seven goals to two and entered the long break with a 29-point advantage. For much of the second half, Fremantle looked a chance to regain the lead, but Gold Coast held the home side at an arm’s length to run out 26-point victors. Nat Fyfe was at his unstoppable best, gathering 34 possessions, three goals and four tackles in a best-on-ground performance. Stephen Hill was afforded freedom through the midfield, finishing with 29 touches and seven tackles. For the Suns, Aaron Hall found space all night to finish with 32 possessions and 11 marks while key forward Tom Lynch slotted five majors. Young forward Jack Martin, who was drafted by Gold Coast as a 17-year-old, announced himself to the league with a four goals, 11 marks and 16 possessions.
TABtouch 22: Three changes for Freo
What has changed?
The Suns will enter this weekend’s clash with several changes to the side that defeated Fremantle in round two. Gary Ablett’s season is over after suffering a shoulder injury two weeks ago. Dion Prestia and Michael Rischitelli will also miss the rest of the year with knee injuries, while Trent McKenzie (quad) and Nick Malceski (knee) will undergo fitness tests. Adam Saad is still at least a week away.
The stats
Tom Lynch has been a dominant force forward of centre. Despite limited supply, the 199cm key forward sits third in the Coleman medal race with 51 goals – four shy of league leader Josh Kennedy. Lynch also leads the league for contested marks with 2.8 per match. The Suns are 15th in the league for inside 50s and seventh for marks inside 50, thanks largely to Lynch, who has clunked a league-high tally of 60 marks in his side’s attacking arc.
