SUMMARY

The supporters of both teams will fear what a loss might mean more than what a win will tell them. Gold Coast SUNS have shown improvement this season but still suffer from inconsistency, not unexpected given the youth of their team. Melbourne has fallen on hard times and despite an understanding that they have a long road ahead, patience is paper-thin. The Demons will start favourite due to the venue but the SJNS have a real chance of breaking their MCG duck. The SUNS have the game's best on-baller and future stars in Harley Bennell and Jaeger O'Meara. If it can create enough opportunities for its forwards, it can kick a winning score. The Demons will welcome back Chris Dawes but if they start as slowly as they did against the Giants, McKenna and co are less likely to roll over.

WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday May 12, 4.40pm (AEST)

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 19, 2012, Melbourne 16.12 (108) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at the MCG
Rd 23, 2011, Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Gold Coast 12.10 (82) at the MCG
Rd 4, 2011, Melbourne 23.21 (159) d Gold Coast 9.15 (69) at the Gabba

THE SIX POINTS
1. The Demons are undefeated against the Suns so far, winning all three contests so far with margins of 90, 30 and 42 points.

2. Suns skipper Gary Ablett enjoys an impressive record at the MCG playing 45 games, kicking 47 goals, playing in 26 wins and polling 16 Brownlow votes.

3. Gold Coast Suns has been impressive in total clearances this season, ranking 5th; Melbourne is ranked 18th.

4. Melbourne has ranked last this season for inside 50s, averaging just 42.7 per game whereas the Suns average 51.8.

5. Melbourne has won just one of its nine twilight games at the MCG

6. Of the post-VFL expansion clubs, Fremantle holds the record for the most number of years without a win at the MCG. Its first win came at its 11th start and in its fourth year, coincidentally when it played Melbourne. The Suns have played four games at the MCG and lost each one.