SUMMARY
In a match that holds intrigue for so many reasons. Gold Coast has lost eight of its past nine matches, including its past two by a combined 193 points, while the Saints haven't snared a win since the opening round against Brisbane. The Suns lost to fellow expansion team Greater Western Sydney by 108 points last week and the Saints trailed by 48 against Sydney at quarter-time before losing by 71. Both clubs are at rock bottom. Not only has the future of Gold Coast been topical this week, but just where its co-captain Tom Lynch will play next year has been equally discussed. In the midst of a patchy season to date, just how Lynch responds against the Saints will be fascinating. For the visitors, they simply must improve. For a team that was expected to push for finals in 2018, it is rapidly heading towards the bottom of the ladder. Good luck picking a winner in this one.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, June 16, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the AFL's broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R14, 2017, St Kilda 14.19 (103) d Gold Coast 10.12 (72) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2016, Gold Coast 15.18 (108) d St Kilda 8.20 (68) at Metricon Stadium
R2, 2015, St Kilda 16.8 (104) d Gold Coast 10.16 (76) at Metricon Stadium
R19, 2014, Gold Coast 17.15 (117) d St Kilda 9.10 (64) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2014, Gold Coast 19.11 (125) d St Kilda 13.9 (87) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When the teams last played the Saints won, but the Suns had more disposals, took more marks and won the clearances. Jack Billings was the star with 30 disposals, seven inside 50s and four clearances.
2. Gold Coast has struggled to score recently, averaging just 45 points a game since round eight. It has kicked 100 points in a game just once this season – in round two against Carlton.
3. Since 2015 the Suns hold a narrow 3-2 advantage in head-to-head matches. Overall, the Saints have the edge though, winning six of the 10 games between the clubs.
4. Despite their poor recent form, the Suns remain the most prolific tackling side in the competition, averaging 72.2 a game. In contrast St Kilda has struggled, ranked 15thwith an average of 61.2.
5. Another loss for the Saints and it will be the first time since 2000 they will have just one win on the board after 13 games. Gold Coast has lost 16 of its past 19 games since midway through 2017.
6. These teams have just five players between them ranked in the top 100 of the Schick AFL Player Rankings. For Gold Coast it's Jarryd Lyons (35), Tom Lynch (76) and Aaron Hall, while Jack Steven (44) and Seb Ross (60) represent the Saints.
Both coaches are under pressure, but Alan Richardson desperately needs a win to keep the wolves at bay. The Saints haven't won since the opening round, and with a bye to follow this match, losing against the Suns could make it a long fortnight for the St Kilda coach.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 15 points
