WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FACTS THAT MATTER

1

Gold Coast won the inside 50m count last week against Essendon 69-44 but only managed to kick nine goals from 12 marks. It is something the side needs to address if they hope to beat Collingwood in Melbourne when they clash tonight.

2

Both the Gold Coast and Collingwood have not enjoyed much success at Etihad Stadium recently. Collingwood has lost its past six there while Gold Coast has lost its past four. Both sides have played well below standard this season.

3

Aaron Hall needs to lift this weekend. Hall made his comeback from a hamstring injury against the Bombers and while it could take time to find his feet again the midfielder’s disposal efficiency of 58.6 per cent from 29 touches wasn’t good enough.

4

Gold Coast won the tackle count 55-49 over the Bombers – Sam Day leading the way with five. But the club was not happy about the pressure they brought. The lack of defence at times allowed Essendon to break free too easily and convert at the other end.

5

The inclusion of Alex Sexton is massive for the Suns. The club’s best runner missed last week with a corked thigh and he was incapacitated in the game before against GWS when he sustained the injury. Sexton has been superb in the midfield.