Dixon In, Schulz Out

Injury-plagued key forward Charlie Dixon returns to strengthen Gold Coast’s attack after missing last Saturday’s two-point win over Essendon. Dixon has missed seven games this season due to a variety of ankle issues, as well as being substituted out of two others. He would of also been substituted out of the Richmond game had the sub not already been made. But despite the carnage, Dixon has produced his finest year to date, booting 36.15 to form a lethal combination with Tom Lynch at different times. If he can get to the bottom of his ankle issues, his ceiling may be very high. The Power has injury issues of their own with key forward Jay Schulz missing the trip to Queensland due to a back injury.

Hinkley recalls Lobbe after two-week hiatus, setting a big task for Smith

Ken Hinkley has recalled Matthew Lobbe from the SANFL despite two weeks of dominance from Paddy Ryder. The former Essendon ruckman, who was poached on a long-term deal at the end of last season, has thrived in the last fortnight as the sole ruckman. Ryder produced one of the best performances of his season against Hawthorn last Friday night to play a major role in their upset 22-point win at Etihad Stadium. In the aftermath, a handful of analysts praised the decision to play Ryder one out, getting him more involved in the game than he has been for the bulk of the year. With Schulz absent, it’s likely Ryder will return to the role he has played when Lobbe has enjoyed the lion share of the ruck duties. If this is the case, Port Adelaide will need more scoreboard impact from Ryder given he has only kicked 16 goals for the year, despite teasing with a four-goal haul and a pair of threes. Zac Smith has experienced a frustrating year with Tom Nicholls assuming the No. 1 ruck role. With Nicholls still unavailable due to a knee injury, Smith will play a pivotal role against the Power pair.

Another week, another midfield challenge with All Australian fleet on their way

It has been the story of the second half of the year. The gulf in midfield personnel has been enormous at times, but despite the gulf, Gold Coast’s makeshift onball division has fought bravely. Since moving into the middle, Aaron Hall has produced a stunning five weeks, averaging 28 possessions a game in a move that is appearing more and more like a masterstroke by the week. Jesse Lonergan has also elevated his game. And Touk Miller and Michael Rischitelli have continued their consistent campaigns. With Port Adelaide coming to Metricon Stadium, the SUNS engine room will face a massive challenge. The Powers midfield consists of All Australian’s Robbie Gray and Travis Boak, as well as Hamish Hartlett and Brad Ebert. Talk about class. And then add another All Australian in Chad Wingard into the mix at different times and it’s not hard to see how potent the Power can be. But just like its been for the majority of the year, it’s not who isn’t there. It’s about who is.

Pack your raincoats and/or ponchos

The weather forecast predicts rain will be here to stay for most of the weekend on the Gold Coast, particular around game time. The last time the two sides met, it poured rain throughout the game at Metricon Stadium turning the game into good old-fashioned battle that looked like something out of country Victoria and not the sunshine state. If the weather happens as predicted, look out for Jack Martin, Jarrod Garlett, Brandon Matera and Harley Bennell. Renowned wet weather specialists. In slippery, greasy conditions, the quartet’s sublime skills usually stand out. Martin produced one of the best games of his career last weekend and had he not missed shots he should have converted, he would have ended the night with five or six goals, not 3.3. For the second consecutive season, injury has dominated his season. But last weekend, the West Australian took strong marks overhead, laid tackles and kicked goals. It was far from the complete game, but when all the puzzle pieces fall into place, it’s an exciting proposition.

Two weeks to go, and till plenty to gain

Rodney Eade’s side have endured a frustrating season. Clearly. But in the last ten weeks, Gold Coast has gradually earned respect back through effort and intent. The Richmond blowout was ugly, but the SUNS were less than three goals down at half-time and then lost three key players in quick succession. Besides that performance, Gold Coast has won two of their last three games, as well as a draw against premiership fancies West Coast before that. Given the class out, the last month has been impressive. Players have answered questions, others have raised more questions. But overall, Gold Coast has found more players during a difficult season. Depth is crucial in modern football; you only need to look at Hawthorn to understand its importance. A silver lining during this injury-ravaged year has been the fast tracking of development. Something that will pay dividends in the future once a full complement of stars return in the future.