By Luke Holmesby
WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Sunday, April 17, 2.10pm
HEAD TO HEAD: First match
LAST TIME: First match
TV: Channel 7 Melbourne delayed 3pm, Adelaide live 1.30pm, Sydney delayed 3pm, Brisbane delayed 3pm.
RADIO: Melbourne: 3AW, Triple M, ABC 774, SEN. Adelaide: Triple M, ABC 891, FIVEaa. Perth: ABC720, NIRS, 6PR. Brisbane: ABC936, NIRS. Hobart: ABC936. Darwin: ABC105.7, NIRS. Regional: Croc.
A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
BETFAIR ODDS: Gold Coast SUNS: $6.40. Melbourne: $1.17
SUMMARY
It hasn't been the greatest start to the week for either of these sides, with Brent Moloney and Campbell Brown featuring in the news for the wrong reasons.
But while Moloney is likely to take his place this Sunday, Brown will not be sighted at AFL levdel for four games.
His loss will be heavily felt by a Gold Coast SUNS team that is already lacking in physical presence and experience.
Melbourne is on the winners' board, but only just after clawing its way back from an early deficit to the Lions.
Liam Jurrah hit some genuine form with five goals, while Mark Jamar starred in the ruck. Against the raw Gold Coast SUNS ruck attack, Jamar could have a day out this Sunday.
It's not all doom and gloom for the GC SUNS. Gary Ablett was much better in his second outing as Gold Coast SUNS skipper and looks set to adjust to his new role without the star-studded Geelong midfield around him.
QUESTION MARKS
The GC SUNS cannot afford to lose any experienced players, so Brown's suspension will hurt them. He was brought to the club for physical presence and while that is his main asset, it was also his downfall. How big an effect will Brown's absence have?
What will this match do for Melbourne's season? The theory is that wins over Gold Coast SUNS develop a false confidence, but any confidence is good confidence for the Demons. Despite his off-field drama, Moloney was good in last week's win as was Colin Sylvia and Melbourne might just be starting to build a bit of momentum.
PREDICTION:
Melbourne by 65 points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH:
Dream Team coaches were unsure about Ablett in his new surroundings this year and many have shied away from him. But his 115-point performance would not have gone unnoticed last week and he looks set to be one of the league's high-scorers once again.
Jordan Gysberts has only played three games in his career but he is fast earning a reputation as a ball magnet. He scored 103 in his first game of the season last week and he could be an option before his price soars.
Follow the game live in the AFL Match Centre and join the conversation on Twitter using #aflsunsdees
Click here for ticketing info, SUNSday tickets $20 for adults, $5 for children and $45 for a family.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
