Gold Coast's Tom Lynch and Brandon Matera have quickly developed into one of the most productive big man-small man forward line combinations in the AFL.
Both are having breakout years for the GC SUNS and are two of many reasons why the team is in the top eight at the season's half-way mark.
Lynch has kicked a career-high 23 goals through 11 matches, and his housemate Matera has done likewise, booting 20 goals in 10 matches.
Only Hawthorn's Jarryd Roughead (30) and Luke Breust (29), Port Adelaide's Jay Schulz (31) and Chad Wingard (24), and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt (34) and Dustin Martin (17) have kicked more as a big man-small man duo.
Lynch and Matera both play their 50th career games against West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Saturday, and said their increased productivity was a result of work further down the ground.
"Our team has obviously played a lot better this year and the ball's coming in on our terms," Matera said.
"Obviously I've worked a lot with Lynchy and the tall fellas, getting to the fall of the ball.
"The talls bring it to the ground and (I'm) getting there and helping out, and I've been lucky enough to kick a few."
Lynch said the SUNS were playing quicker and moving the ball better, giving the forwards more time and space to lead into.
They are also getting the ball inside 50 almost 55 times per game – good enough for fourth in the league – which is a far cry from their first three seasons.
"We're kicking the ball better, we're getting out in space and using it more, which makes it easier," Lynch said.
Lynch bases his game on hard work, and has not only taken the sixth most marks inside 50, but is also No.1 among the top-20 goalkickers for one percenters.
He said the open spaces of Patersons Stadium should suit the SUNS as they try to arrest a two-game losing streak and break their duck at that venue.
"We give ourselves a big chance this week," he said.
"It's a pretty important game for us. We're sitting eighth on the ladder so we probably need to consolidate ourselves at the moment.
"We've lost a couple in a row and it's a big chance for a win."
