SUMMARY
These two teams could not be travelling much differently, with the Suns on a seven-game losing streak, and the Swans sitting second and fresh off wins over Hawthorn and North Melbourne. There is a silver lining for the battling Suns though, with a stack of players returning from injury this week, which should make them more competitive. They've never beaten the Swans in their short history, and with a lack of personnel and continuity, it's hard to see that changing this week. We'll see two of the game's best forwards go at it, with Lance Franklin and Tom Lynch both in ripping form, while Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia and co will have their hands full trying to curtail the red-hot Swans midfield. Looks to be just one result here.
The Suns are going to have their hands full stopping Lance Franklin. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, June 4, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2015, Sydney Swans 19.13 (127) d Gold Coast Suns 9.10 (64) at the SCG
R10, 2015, Sydney Swans 13.15 (93) d Gold Coast Suns 5.11 (41) at Metricon Stadium
R12, 2014, Sydney Swans 17.7 (109) d Gold Coast Suns 10.14 (74) at Metricon Stadium
R2, 2013, Sydney Swans 17.12 (114) d Gold Coast Suns 11.7 (73) at the SCG
R18, 2012, Sydney Swans 19.12 (126) d Gold Coast Suns 8.6 (54) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans weren’t troubled by the Suns the last time they played, winning disposals (416-319), tackles (56-43), inside 50s (70-44), and scoring shots (32-19). Josh Kennedy was best on ground with 31 disposals and two goals.
2. Since round six the Suns have lost five consecutive matches by an average margin of 87 points, conceding 151 points a game while kicking just 64 points themselves.
3. Gold Coast is yet to defeat the Swans from six attempts. Four games have been decided by more than 50 points, while the closest margin has been 35 points.
4. The Swans are a strong contested marking side this season, averaging 13.6 a game while Gold Coast has struggled in this area, ranked equal 14th at 10.4 a game.
5. The Swans are the top-ranked side so far in 2016 for contested possessions with 163.6 a game. In contrast, the Suns are ranked 17th at 130.2 a game.
6. Swan Dan Hannebery has scorched to a career-high 19th overall in the AFL Official Player Ratings following last week's 34-disposal, one goal game against the Kangaroos.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Lance Franklin. Not only is it Franklin's 50th game for the Swans, but he also has a chance to climb another rung on the all-time VFL/AFL goalkicking list. Three goals would move him above Saverio Rocca into 13th place overall, and you wouldn't bet against him - only once this year has Franklin kicked less than three.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 45 points
