SUMMARY
Both teams will be full of confidence after breaking through for their first win of the season last Sunday, setting up an intriguing contest at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. The SUNS put a tumultuous week behind them with a record-breaking win over the Hawks at home, but their first visit to Melbourne presents a fresh challenge for Rodney Eade's men. Carlton produced a superb performance in the wet to overcome arch rival Essendon and coach Brendon Bolton will demand the same effort and intensity under totally different conditions. Both midfields are in top form, with the duel between in-form ruckmen Matthew Kreuzer and Jarrod Witts likely to be decisive.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, April 15, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, Gold Coast 13.17 (95) d Carlton 5.11 (41) at Metricon Stadium
R13, 2015, Carlton 14.19 (103) d Gold Coast 9.15 (69) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2014, Carlton 14.13 (97) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2013, Carlton 16.24 (120) d Gold Coast 11.11 (77) at Metricon Stadium
R22, 2012, Gold Coast 15.8 (98) d Carlton 11.20 (86) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these clubs last played Gold Coast dominated the second half, kicking eight goals to two. Aaron Hall collected three Brownlow votes with 40 disposals. Tom Lynch kicked four goals and Jack Martin three.
2. The SUNS are No.1 for centre clearances in 2017, averaging 18.7 a game. The Blues are ranked equal ninth with an average of 14.
3. Carlton and Gold Coast clash for the seventh time and the Blues hold the advantage, winning four games to two. Only one game between the clubs has been decided by less than 20 points.
4. The SUNS handball more than any other team, averaging 196.7 a game – 10 more than the next best, the Western Bulldogs. In contrast the Blues are ranked last.
5. The SUNS' recent history at Etihad Stadium is not good, losing their past five games. They have not won at the venue since round nine, 2014.
