Gold Coast SUNS v Sydney Swans

Fankhauser Reserve, Southport

Saturday, April 28 at 11am  

The match will be live streamed via NEAFL TV - click here to watch.

SUMMARY

The Gold Coast SUNS and Sydney Swans have something in common, their last matches were against the Brisbane Lions, and both were beaten by nine goals. So, both teams will be looking to redeem themselves.

For Sydney they have had a week to rest and recover, and for the SUNS they get to play their first home-and-away match on the coast in 2018. The SUNS, under new coach Nick Malceski, have a good start to their season, winning their first two games, and last week they got beaten at their own game – contested ball.

This week will not be any easier taking on last year’s NEAFL grand finalists Sydney Swans. The Swans have had a disappointing start to the season losing their first two matches, but with the week off to have a think about it, will be determined to make amends.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Preliminary Final, 2017: Sydney Swans 21.16 (142) d Gold Coast 11.8 (74) at BISP
Round 21, 2017: Sydney Swans 23.12 (150) d Gold Coast 13.5 (83) at Metricon Stadium.
Round 15, 2017: Sydney Swans 21.10 (136) d Gold Coast 4.5 (29) at SCG.

TALKING POINTS

1. Goalkicking accuracy has been an issue for the Swans in their first two-matches, and they are ranked last in the competition at just 44 per cent. It’s been costly in both their matches against the GIANTS and Brisbane respectively, combining for 19.29.

2. The SUNS first two weeks were impressive. Part of their success was their ability to win the contested ball. However, last week against the Lions they were beaten in this area by 36. The Swans were ranked No.1 in the NEAFL for contested possessions last year, and were also beaten by the Lions in contested possessions this year, so will be looking to improve that area of their game as well.

3. Although it is only Round 4, this match in the context of the season is quite important. For the SUNS, it is a difference between going 3-1, which is a great start to the season or being 2-2 and middle of the table. For the Swans, a win could be the difference of getting their season back on track, or them sitting at the bottom of the ladder at the dreaded 0-3.

ROOKIE WATCH

Gold Coast SUNS first-year ruckman Brayden Crossley is knocking on the door of an AFL debut, having been named emergency for their AFL side this week. A graduate of the SUNS Academy last year, Crossley has averaged 17 disposals (at 68 per cent contested), plus four tackles, five clearances and 38 hit-outs so far this NEAFL season. A big challenge against Darcy Cameron awaits this weekend, but it’s also a big opportunity for the 18-year-old to stake his claim.

STATS THAT MATTER

It is fair to say the Sydney Swans have had the wood over the Gold Coast SUNS over the years. Last year, the Swans beat the SUNS all four times that they met, including last year’s preliminary final. The Swans have beaten the SUNS the last 13 times they have met, and by an average of 64 points.

TEAM

IN: 54. Jarrod Mills, 46. Eddie Sansbury, 41. Will Brodie, 55. Jackson Brumley

OUT: 26. Harrison Wigg, 53. Timakoi Bowie, 10. Kade Kolodjashnij