DETAILS:  Melbourne v Gold Coast SUNS

DATE: Saturday 5 February

TIME: 7:10pm (AEDT)

LOCATION: Casey Fields     

BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports

GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here

TICKETS: Available here 

LAST TIME WE MET: Round 1, 2021 | Melbourne v Gold Coast SUNS | Metricon Stadium 
In Round 1 of the 2021 season, the Demons travelled to Metricon Stadium to face the Suns in what was a successful day for the red and blue.

The home side may have started the game in fashion, leading by seven points at the first break, but it wasn’t long before the Demons kicked into gear. Led by an exceptional display from midfielder Karen Paxman (25 disposals and four tackles), Melbourne produced five unanswered goals in the second term to create a 21-point lead at half time.

Both sides managed just two goals apiece for the remainder of the game, seeing Melbourne’s 2021 season begin with a 9.2 (56) to 5.5 (35) win on the road.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Melbourne
Eliza McNamara
McNamara has hit the ground running in her second AFLW season. After missing Round 1 under the AFL’s Health and Safety protocols, she hasn’t put a foot wrong, solidifying her spot along Melbourne’s wing. Currently averaging 17.7 disposals and four tackles, the small but powerful Demon will bring her elite running skills and unsuspecting strength to challenge the Suns on Saturday.

Daisy Pearce
In what was a disappointing day for Melbourne in Round 4, Pearce gave the Demons their much-needed boost on the scoreboard, kicking two of the side’s three goals, once again providing the reliability she is known for. Pearce will join the rest of the side in returning to Casey on Saturday, a home deck which has seen many of the No.6’s best games.

Lily Mithen
When the Dees faced the Suns last year, Mithen was an undeniable standout with 22 disposals and one goal. With her ferocious will to compete, the 23-year-old brings a bright competitiveness that travels through both Melbourne’s midfield and forward line. If Mithen brings this to Saturday’s game, she will be a force against the Suns.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gold Coast SUNS  
Alison Drenna
Drenna is a known impact through the Gold Coast midfield and is coming off a spectacle in the side’s game against Richmond. The 31-year-old collected 17 disposals, five tackles and nine clearances, earning her the top marks in the AFLCA’s Round 4 votes. The former track athlete’s running ability is up with the best in the league and will bring an added layer of physicality through their middle.

Tara Bohanna
Bohanna is a new addition to the Suns’ line-up for the 2022 season, coming across to the club after dominating in the VFLW with 19 goals over 16 games. The key forward has stepped up to the AFLW with ease, having kicked six goals over her three games. Her ability to quickly convert from inside 50s will be a challenge for the Demon defence.

Charlie Rowbottom
The No.1 pick in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, Rowbottom has quickly become a consistent member of the Suns’ midfield. The tall midfielder may only be heading into her fourth AFLW game, but her talent is unquestionable, already averaging 15.7 disposals and 7.3 tackles.

COACH’S VIEW: Tamara Hyett   

“The learnings we took from last week were that we need to be better with ball in hand and with some of the decisions we made, but we’ve had a pretty solid week on the track working on those fundamentals,” Hyett said.  

“This week, the Suns are a really good contest side, so we’ll have to be switched on at the contest.

“We’ll also need to be nice and clean with our fundamentals and make sure we take advantage with some forward half footy.”