SUMMARY
Two inconsistent clubs, two coaches under pressure - how can you possibly predict what's going to happen here? Collingwood has won just five games this season but been competitive in most matches before falling right away against Essendon last weekend. The six-goal loss seemed to spell the end of their remote finals chances and brought a new wave of pressure on out-of-contract coach Nathan Buckley. Buckley's Gold Coast counterpart Rodney Eade is also feeling the heat after the SUNS' poor showing against Sydney last weekend. Gold Coast is barely clinging to a mathematical chance of making the top eight and must deal with the Magpies to keep their dream flickering. With some experienced personnel expected to return, the SUNS should have the midfield to match the Pies and the forwards to take advantage, but with these two teams, you just never know.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, July 15, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2016, Collingwood 16.22 (118) d Gold Coast 6.11 (47) at Etihad Stadium
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
THE FIVE POINTS
1. The contest was over by half-time when the teams met late in 2016 with the Magpies kicking 12 goals to one in the first half. Adam Treloar finished best on ground with 38 disposals, seven inside 50s and four clearances.
2. Gold Coast is the No.1 ranked centre clearance team in 2017 averaging 15.5 a game, a long way ahead of Collingwood ranked 11th at an average of 12.6.
3. The teams meet for the seventh time, with Collingwood holding a 4-2 advantage. Collingwood has won seven of its nine games at Metricon Stadium – formerly Carrara – including five wins against the then Brisbane Bears.
4. The SUNS are ranked 18th for tackles this season, averaging 63.3, almost 14 tackles a game behind the top ranked team. The Magpies are 10th at an average of 67.9.
5. This will be a contest between the two highest disposal teams this season. Both are averaging more than 400 a game with Collingwood ranked first and Gold Coast second.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jarrod Witts
The giant SUNS ruckman faces his former club for the first time since departing Collingwood at the end of 2016. Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade said Witts deserved more recognition for his terrific season to date and he'll get the perfect chance to validate his great form up against red-hot Brodie Grundy.
PREDICTION: Gold Coast by 17 points
