SUMMARY
If North Melbourne wants to remain the AFL's only unbeaten outfit after round five, it will have to overcome its bogey team Gold Coast. Despite always finishing lower on the ladders, the SUNS have won the past three matches against the Kangaroos, including two at Metricon Stadium. This match-up looks a case of North's inside grunt up against Gold Coast's outside speed. The SUNS are fresh off losing to the Brisbane Lions and will be minus its two key defenders Rory Thompson (ankle) and Steven May (suspension). The Kangaroos have possessed the most potent attack in the game through the first month of the season.
This Saturday also marks Rodney Eade's 600th game as a player and coach.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, April 23, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2015, Gold Coast 19.11 (125) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Metricon Stadium
R7, 2014, Gold Coast 18.12 (120) d North Melbourne 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2013, Gold Coast 9.12 (66) d North Melbourne 8.3 (51) at Metricon Stadium
R12, 2012, North Melbourne 11.21 (87) d Gold Coast 12.8 (80) at Metricon Stadium
R5, 2012, North Melbourne 17.25 (127) d Gold Coast 13.15 (93) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast’s win last season was largely due to an explosive 14 goals to seven second half. Skipper Gary Ablett starred with 31 disposals and three goals.
2. The Kangaroos are ranked first for scoring this season, and are in the top two for clearance and centre clearances. Gold Coast is ranked equal fourth in scoring.
3. Ablett has enjoyed his time playing against North Melbourne since joining the SUNS, polling 12 Brownlow votes in five games with two best on ground performances.
4. Gold Coast is ranked second in 2016 for marks inside 50, averaging 16 a game, thanks largely to Tom Lynch, who is ranked first with a total of 18.
5. North Melbourne is no stranger to Metricon Stadium, playing the most games at the venue outside of the two Queensland teams. It has won nine of its 14 games there. The Kangaroos are chasing five wins to start the season for the first time since 2005.
6. Tom Lynch is leading the Coleman Medal race on 18 goals after the four rounds, and hot on his tail is Jarrad Waite, sitting equal second on 16.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Rodney Eade. Not only would the Gold Coast coach like a win to keep his team near the top of the ladder, but it would also help him celebrate his 600th games as both a player and coach. Eade won four flags in his playing career at Hawthorn and had great success at both the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs before taking over as the SUNS' coach. He is just the 11th man to reach the milestone.
