5 GAME AREAS WHERE THE WILL BE WON

SOMEONE TO FOLLOW

Stand-in captain Michael Rischitelli has stood tall in the absence of Gary Ablett. He is the leading ball user with an average of 24.1 disposals per game and the club will need him to be on point if they are to stand a chance against Carlton. He provides the level of toughness in the middle that some of the younger Suns players are yet to develop. He has a natural style of leadership.

SHUT THEM DOWN

The Gold Coast will have the chance to exploit Carlton who have the worst rate of tackles made in the AFL with 616 this season while the Suns are in 11th with 747. Given the slim differences between the two sides whoever can successfully shut down their opponent may take the points. If the Carlton defence remains this pourous then it is important the Suns’ running men make the most of it.

NEW BEGINNINGS, OLD FACES

Given the determination by the Suns to start off the second half of the season with a win, the return of Steven May, Harley Bennell, Sam Day, Alex Sexton and Matt Shaw couldn’t come at a better time. There has been plenty made of the injury toll that the Suns have suffered. These guys are some pretty big inclusions for the Coast and capable of making a difference against the Blues.

ETIHAD BLUES

Given the Gold Coast’s dismal record at nearly all the venues they have visited this year the fact that the Suns have only won twice in 10 games at Etihad Stadium should do little to affect the team. They need to block out the fact that they are away from home and just focus on the things that they do well when they are winning. Carlton has also lost their past four games there. They are far from a certainty at home.

A CENTRE BATTLE

Little separates the two sides in the battle for field position with Carlton the AFL’s best at centre clearances with 15.1 a game. The Suns are in fifth with an average of 13 so whoever wins the battle could be the one who goes on to win. Much of this falls back on to the shoulders of Tom Nicholls. He has to get the upperhand in the ruck to make sure that the Suns are able to move forward.