SUMMARY
In Gary Ablett's 250th game, this game looks like strong chance for Gold Coast to notch its seventh win of the season. The SUNS were competitive until deep in the fourth quarter before losing against West Coast last week and will have to overcome the effects of the long travel home. However they play a Melbourne outfit fresh from the crushing blow of being the first team to concede a win to Greater Western Sydney in 2013. Gold Coast already have Melbourne's measure this year, and with the likely return of ruckman Tom Nicholls from a knee injury, have one of their strongest teams on the field. Melbourne are running out of chances to win this season, and if they don't pull out one more victory, may yet finish with the wooden spoon. It's hard to see Ablett being denied in his milestone game.


WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday August 10, 7.40pm (AEST)

 

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds

 

LAST FOUR TIMES
R7, 2013, Gold Coast SUNS 16.18 (114) d Melbourne 7.12 (54) at the MCG
R19, 2012, Melbourne 16.12 (108) d Gold Coast SUNS 9.12 (66) at the MCG
R23, 2011, Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Gold Coast SUNS 12.10 (82) at the MCG
R4, 2011, Melbourne 23.21 (159) d Gold Coast SUNS 9.15 (69) at the Gabba

 

THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast thrashed Melbourne earlier this season in round seven at the MCG, winning by 60 points. Ablett starred with 38 disposals.

2. The SUNS' victory in round seven was their first over the Demons after Melbourne had won the previous three matches by an average of nine goals.

3. Melbourne plays their first game at Metricon Stadium since an away clash with St Kilda early in 2009. They last won at the venue in round five, 1990, defeating the Brisbane Bears.

4. One thing in the Demons' favour is that their caretaker coach, Neil Craig, has a perfect record at Metricon. He coached Adelaide there on three occasions for three victories.

5. Melbourne continues to struggle to score, being ranked last in the competition with just 67 points per game. The SUNS are ranked 13th with 84 per game.

6. Although Melbourne might be struggling, a number of its best players continue improving. Nathan Jones (78), Colin Sylvia (133), Jack Watts (149) and Tom McDonald (195) all rose in the Official AFL Player Ratings despite last week's loss.