NEAFL ROUND 19

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Gold Coast SUNS (8th) v GIANTS (7th) at Metricon Stadium, 10.30am
*Live Champion Data statistics available on the Official NEAFL App

SUMMARY

The mini-finals series between the GIANTS, SUNS and Lions continues this weekend in the battle for sixth spot. The Lions look like they are most likely to snap up that sixth spot after a comfortable win over Sydney last week, plus having a good percentage.

However, Brisbane has played an extra game than the Gold Coast and the GIANTS, with the GIANTS four points behind the Lions and the SUNS six points behind with three rounds to go.

It is not quite an elimination final as both sides can still make it even if they lose, however, they would be relying on other results and making it extremely difficult for themselves.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 15, 2018: Gold Coast SUNS 10.10 (70) def GWS GIANTS 8.20 (68) at Spotless Stadium
Round 10, 2018: GWS GIANTS 13.17 (95) def Gold Coast SUNS 5.13 (43) at Spotless Stadium
Round 2, 2018: Gold Coast SUNS 14.9 (93) def GWS GIANTS 11.6 (72) at Harrup Park

TALKING POINTS

1. When the sides met in Round 15 at Spotless Stadium, the SUNS were able to win by two points in a thriller. The GIANTS inaccurate goal kicking hurt, especially in the second term when they kicked 1.8, ending up with 8.20 for the day.

2. Unfortunately for the GIANTS, their AFL side had a horrific run of injuries last weekend, losing four quality players. This obviously impacts the NEAFL side as four of their better players will be pushed up to play AFL and will be a good test to see how they adapt. On the other side, Gold Coast is also battling their own injury woes, with both sides down on AFL-listed players this week. It might come down to the next generation, and which academy players can step up on the big stage.

3. Gold Coast is coming off the bye and will be looking to redeem themselves after losing to the Lions for the third time this year a fortnight ago. The SUNS had more contested possessions and disposals, however, were unable to make the most of it. They’ll want to make the most of their opportunities this time around.

STATS THAT MATTER

Inside 50 efficiency has been an issue for the Gold Coast SUNS this year, as they are last in the competition for goals per inside 50 (20.2 per cent). On the other hand, the GIANTS are third for goals per inside 50, converting 24.4 per cent of the time they go inside 50.

PREDICTION

Gold Coast by 15 points

TEAM