If Champion Data is any indication of what fans can expect heading into Saturday night’s blockbuster at Etihad Stadium, the Gold Coast SUNS midfield will have a slight edge over the Bomber’s elite class of ball-winners when the two teams battle around the contested stoppages this weekend.

In what already promises to be a cracking encounter on personnel alone, an insight into the League’s stoppage leaders shows the Gold Coast out-rank the Bombers around the clearances, stoppage work and rebounding 50s.

While the Bombers manage to take a better record around the hit-outs and centre clearances leading into the mid-season break, GC SUNS assistant coach Andy Lovell says the playing group isn’t concerned about the host’s ability to impact the contest from the centre circle.

“Our work around the clearances has been a really strong area for us this year, with Matthew Primus having done a really good job as our stoppage coach,” Lovell said.

And while senior coaches Guy McKenna and James Hird will both be strategising on how best to minimise the impact of star midfielders Gary Ablett and Jobe Watson, Lovell told goldcoastfc.com.au that the reigning Brownlow Medallist’s support players will be an equally important focus for the Gold Coasters.

“Brent Stanton is one player who I think two out of the last three games has averaged 35+ possessions so he’s going to be an important player of focus for us,” he said.

“But it’s important to know you can’t tag all their players, what we have to do is make sure our structures hold strong and that our boys are competing so we can have first use of the football.

“We’ll be backing our midfielders in against theirs but we certainly respect them massively because they’re a very good side.”

A win against the September hopefuls would see the GC SUNS notch up their sixth win of the season - twice as many as wins as their 2011 and 2012 campaigns.

But Lovell says the GC SUNS coaching staff isn’t thinking too far ahead, with their main priority fixed on the improvement and development of the club’s playing list.

“Every win we have is going to be important for our growth and experience, but we don’t want to look too far ahead.

“What we’re really looking at is preparing strongly because that gives us the best chance of winning.

“Our main focus heading into Etihad Stadium is getting our processes right and playing the right style of football.”