SUMMARY

In 2012 West Coast finished 13 points shy of playing in a preliminary final, while Gold Coast won just three games and finished second last. There was 126 points between the two teams in round 14 last year, yet ahead of their clash this week, just one game separates them. With an injury list as long as Patersons Stadium the Eagles are ripe for the picking. The Suns defeated Collingwood a fortnight ago and were in the hunt for three quarters against the Blues. Both sides have lost five of their last six games but the Eagles have averaged three more scoring shots  than the Suns in that period. The Eagles have also played four of the top five teams in that period, while the Suns haven't played anyone in the top five. Gold Coast has the number one rated player in the Official AFL Player Ratings but just three in the top 150. West Coast has 11 players in the top 150.

WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Saturday August 3, 2.40pm (AWST)
 

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

PAST TWO TIMES

R14, 2012, West Coast 25.16 (166) d Gold Coast 5.10 (40) at Patersons Stadium

R11, 2011, West Coast 13.7 (85) d Gold Coast 10.7 (67) at Patersons Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. West Coast and Gold Coast last clashed in round 14 last season at Patersons Stadium and the Eagles won by 126 points, kicking 25 goals to five. The Eagles had four players gather 30 possessions or more.

2. Suns skipper Gary Ablett has an impressive record against West Coast. He's kicked 23 goals in 14 games and polled 13 Brownlow votes against the Eagles.

3. The two coaches know each other well. Between them John Worsfold and Guy McKenna played 476 games for the Eagles including two premierships.

4. Gold Coast has played three times at Patersons Stadium in its short history for three losses.

5. West Coast have averaged 47.9 hit-outs per game this season, the best in the competition. Gold Coast is ranked 17th in the AFL averaging 32.2 hit outs per week.

6. Matt Priddis has jumped seven places to 40th on the Official AFL Player Ratings after another terrific display against the Bulldogs but he is still 286 points behind the best player in the AFL, Gary Ablett.