The Gold Coast SUNS finished the month of June with an 8-6 record, still good enough to maintain the team’s position in the top eight despite winning just one of their last five matches.
Losses to Adelaide, Sydney, West Coast and Hawthorn have made Gold Coast’s road to September slightly tougher, however, the GC SUNS will head into July with confidence knowing they defeated each of their three upcoming opponents in their most recent encounters.
Three wins in the next three rounds will all-but-cement a maiden finals berth for the SUNS, however, the task ahead won’t be easy with AFL powerhouse Collingwood the first cab off the rank this Saturday at Metricon Stadium.
goldcoastfc.com.au previews the month ahead.
Round 16 v Collingwood, Saturday 5 July
Metricon Stadium, 4:40pm AEST
Gary Ablett celebrates after kicking a goal against Collingwood in Round 17, 2013.
In round 17 last year, Collingwood became the SUNS’ first top-eight scalp with the boys in red and gold recording a famous seven-point victory over the Magpies.
This year’s clash shapes as a salivating battle with potential individual match-ups including Ablett vs Pendlebury, Prestia vs Swan and May vs Cloke likely to be key in deciding the outcome.
Collingwood currently sits ahead of the GC SUNS on the ladder in sixth position (9 wins, 5 losses) and will head into the round 16 battle as favourite, but the SUNS will fancy their chances if they can bring a four-quarter effort like they did against Geelong.
Last time we met:
Gold Coast SUNS 13.7 (85) d. Collingwood 11.12 (78)
Metricon Stadium (Round 17, 2013)
Round 17 v Western Bulldogs, Saturday 12 July
Cazaly’s Stadium, 4:40pm AEST
Alex Sexton evades Marcus Bontempelli in Round 10, 2014.
The GC SUNS head to far north Queensland in round 17 to take on the Western Bulldogs at Cazaly’s Stadium in what looms as a must-win game for Guy McKenna’s team.
Earlier in the season, after an even first-half between the two sides, the SUNS slammed on eight third-quarter goals to one against the Bulldogs to break the game apart on the way to a 45-point victory.
On that day, Charlie Dixon and Tom Lynch both kicked four goals for the SUNS while Dion Prestia collected a game-high 35 disposals in a prolific performance.
The Bulldogs’ young stars including Marcus Bontempelli, Jake Stringer and Jack Macrae are starting to find their feet at AFL level and will undoubtedly take the game on against the SUNS.
Last time we met:
Gold Coast SUNS 18.11 (119) d. Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74)
Metricon Stadium (Round 10, 2014)
Round 18 v Brisbane Lions, Saturday 26 July
The Gabba, 4:40pm AEST
The Gold Coast SUNS celebrate after reclaiming the QClash Cup in Round 3, 2014.
After five consecutive QClash victories for the Brisbane Lions, the Gold Coast SUNS reclaimed the QClash Cup in round 3 with a comprehensive 53-point win.
Gary Ablett collected 38 disposals that night to win the Marcus Ashcroft Medal and the GC SUNS will be determined to hold on to bragging rights as Queensland’s premier AFL team.
Despite sitting 17th on the ladder, the Lions have won three of their past five matches. With quality players such as James Aish, Pearce Hanley and Tom Rockliff getting plenty of the footy Brisbane will be no pushover, particularly on their home deck at The Gabba.
Last time we met:
Gold Coast SUNS 17.12 (114) d. Brisbane Lions 9.7 (61)
Metricon Stadium (Round 3, 2014)
