Saturday, May 12, 2018

Brisbane Lions (3rd) v Gold Coast SUNS (4th) at Moreton Bay Sports Complex, 11am
*Live Champion Data statistics available on the Official NEAFL App. 

SUMMARY

For the second time this year, the Gold Coast SUNS will take on the Brisbane Lions in a southeast Queensland derby. The Lions were runaway victors when they met only a few weeks ago in Round 3, so the Gold Coast will be desperate to set the record straight on who really rules north of the Tweed.

Brisbane will be fresh and ready coming off a bye week in Round 5. The Lions would be happy with their season to date, with only one blip on the record of an otherwise flawless start.

Meanwhile, the SUNS hit a slight speed bump last week after a surprise loss to the Demons in Canberra. Now sitting at 3-2 for the season, beating their local rivals on their current home ground will be a sweet way to get back on track.

*Full teams announced Friday morning

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 3, 2018: Brisbane 12.11 (83) d Gold Coast 5.6 (36) at South Pine Sports Complex
Round 20, 2017: Gold Coast 16.15 (111) d Brisbane 16.8 (104) at the Gabba
Round 11, 2017: Brisbane 12.13 (85) d Gold Coast 11.14 (80) at South Pine Sports Complex

TALKING POINTS

1. In Round 5, the SUNS named only nine AFL-listed players to take on Canberra, and fielded only eight after Michael Barlow pulled out due to a leg injury. This number could fall even further as the season progresses, as injury woes for the Gold Coast at AFL level – with Brayden Fiorini and Jesse Lonergan the most recent casualties – mean their depth will be tested in the NEAFL. The SUNS will have to hope that their academy talent can step up when they take on a comparatively healthy Lions side this Saturday.

2. The history between the Lions and the SUNS is remarkably even and speaks to the highly competitive nature whenever they meet. These two sides have faced off 23 times since the NEAFL began in 2011 and the Lions are barely a whisker in front with 12 wins to the Gold Coast’s 11. A win to the men in red and gold on Saturday would balance the ledger and return both clubs to a 50-50 win-loss ratio – a stat truly befitting this fierce rivalry.

3. The loss to Canberra was uncharacteristic by the SUNS in many respects, including their failure to win the contested ball, which had previously been a key strength of their footy this year. Prior to the match, the Gold Coast were second in the NEAFL for contested possessions, while the Demons were struggling to compete at the bottom of the ladder. Despite this, Canberra managed to control the contest well and outperformed the SUNS 154-135. If they are to get the win against Brisbane, the Gold Coast will have to revert to the more dominant style of football they displayed earlier in the year.

ROOKIE WATCH

Brisbane Lions Academy talent Ben Sloan is making a name for himself in the NEAFL, after securing his first Tribal Sport NEAFL Rising Star nomination in his side’s Round 4 win over the GIANTS. After a week off to reflect and celebrate his career best performance – recording a handy 23 disposals, 10 marks and two goals – Sloan will be full of confidence when he runs on to the field on Saturday morning.

STATS THAT MATTER

Despite only one rung separating them on the NEAFL ladder, statistically these two sides have been a world apart in 2018. The Lions lead the league in goal assists (11), while the SUNS are languishing in last place (4). Conversely, the Lions take the wooden spoon for the number of tackles made per game (50), while this is the one area where the Gold Coast sit in first for the competition (78.4). This disparity demonstrates the vastly different brands of football the clubs are playing in 2018 – with Brisbane emphasising their attack and the Gold Coast relying on their defensive pressure – and should make for a fierce contest at Burpengary.

TEAM: 

IN: 43. Max Spencer 34. Mackenzie Willis 56. Matthew Fraser Max Spencer 34. Mackenzie Willis 54. Jack Wingrave 56. Eddie Sansbury

OUT: 21. Jack Leslie (AFL) 50. James Mohr (Academy) 33. Aaron Hall (AFL) 48. Timakoi Bowie (Academy) 58. Dean Katsiris (Academy)

NEW: 56. Matthew Fraser 54. Jack Wingrave