SUMMARY
Either way, a hoodoo will be broken, with neither club winning at Etihad Stadium since 2014. This will be the first clash between the clubs at Etihad Stadium, and just their second encounter in Melbourne. Both clubs have had a high injury this year and, consequently, have performed below expectations. Both are also planning to finish the season strongly to take some momentum into the pre-season and build a platform for an intended rise next year. Despite the odd aberration, both sides have played better in the second half of the year, but Collingwood's greater consistency may give the home side the edge.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 20, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2015, Collingwood 20.12 (132) d Gold Coast 9.9 (63) at Metricon Stadium
R16, 2014, Gold Coast 11.14 (80) d Collingwood 10.15 (75) at Metricon Stadium
R17, 2013, Gold Coast 13.7 (85) d Collingwood 11.12 (78) at Metricon Stadium
R10, 2012, Collingwood 23.11 (149) d Gold Coast 7.10 (52) at the MCG
R18, 2011, Collingwood 19.15 (129) d Gold Coast 11.9 (75) at Metricon Stadium
THE FIVE POINTS
1. The last time they met, the Pies won easily with Dane Swan (36 disposals), Scott Pendlebury (35), Steele Sidebottom (32) and Jamie Elliott (five goals) starring. The Magpies dominated the inside 50s (58-44) and scoring shots (32-18).
2. Neither club has enjoyed playing at Etihad Stadium recently – Collingwood has lost its past six there, while Gold Coast has lost its past four and has won only twice there in its history.
3. Both sides have struggled to finish games this season – Gold Coast is ranked 17th for last quarters won with five, while Collingwood is equal-14th with six.
4. Little separates the sides in terms of scoring this season, with the Magpies 12th with an average of 84 points a game and the Suns 13th with 83 points.
5. Collingwood and Gold Coast meet for the sixth time with the ledger being 3-2 in the Pies' favour. The SUNS' two wins have both been by single-figure margins.
