SUMMARY
Last time these sides met in round two Gold Coast won the an entertaining encounter at Domain Stadium, but since then the injury toll has hit both clubs. Fremantle had a mid-season surge to win three straight games, while the SUNS recently won two in succession to show signs of life. Both teams will be playing for pride and looking to expose their young talent come Saturday. With the home ground advantage, Gold Coast are the favourites to sneak home.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday July 23, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2016, Gold Coast 19.12 (126) d Fremantle 14.16 (100) at Domain Stadium
R11, 2015, Fremantle 6.17 (53) d Gold Coast 7.4 (46) at Metricon Stadium
R2, 2014, Fremantle 12.15 (97) d Gold Coast 5.9 (39) at Domain Stadium
R6, 2013, Fremantle 15.9 (99) d Gold Coast 7.12 (54) at Metricon Stadium
R6, 2012, Fremantle 14.10 (94) d Gold Coast 14.3 (87) at Metricon Stadium
THE FIVE POINTS
1. Gold Coast's round two victory was its first over Fremantle in club history. Aaron Hall had 32 disposals, while Tom Lynch starred with five goals and Jack Martin kicked four.
2. The SUNS are ranked last in the competition for clearances, averaging 33.3 a game – not a good sign for a team decimated by injuries to its midfield. Fremantle is only slightly better, ranked 11th with 36.4 a game.
3. Only Essendon and Carlton have scored less than Fremantle's 75 points a game this season. Gold Coast averages 84 points a games to rank 11th.
4. Fremantle has a 5-1 head-to-head advantage in this match-up. In the three matches at Metricon Stadium, Fremantle won one decisively, but two others have been decided by just seven points.
5. One thing both teams do well is tackle. Fremantle is ranked fourth with 73 a game, while the SUNS sneak into eighth place with 69.8 a game.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jarrod Harbrow.
With Matthew Pavlich resting back in Perth and Hayden Ballantyne sporting a fractured cheekbone, much of Freo's scoring may have to come from the dangerous Michael Walters. Harbrow would appear a good match-up for Walters with his speed and discipline, but youngster Jesse Joyce or Kade Kolodjashnij could also come into the frame.
