Match details
Sunday, August 5, 1.10 pm (local time), MCG
Melbourne
B: Joel Macdonald, James Sellar, Tom McDonald
HB: Jack Grimes, James Frawley, Colin Garland
C: Jordie McKenzie, Jack Trengove, Rohan Bail
HF: Sam Blease, Jared Rivers, Lynden Dunn
F: Jeremy Howe, Colin Sylvia, Brad Green
Foll: Jake Spencer, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Cale Morton, James Strauss, Jordan Gysberts, Luke Tapscott, Jack Fitzpatrick, Josh Tynan, James Magner
In: Cale Morton, Jordan Gysberts, Luke Tapscott, Jack Fitzpatrick, Josh Tynan, James Magner
Out: Stefan Martin (Foot), Neville Jetta (Suspension), Daniel Nicholson (Jaw)
Gold Coast Suns
Gold Coast Suns
B: Taylor Hine, Charlie Dixon, Trent McKenzie
HB: Daniel Stanley, Matthew Warnock, Jarrod Harbrow
C: David Swallow, Gary Ablett, Michael Rischitelli
HF: Jared Brennan, Tom Lynch, Brandon Matera
F: Luke Russell, Sam Day, Campbell Brown
Foll: Zac Smith, Karmichael Hunt, Harley Bennell
I/C (from): Maverick Weller, Matt Shaw, Dion Prestia, Josh Caddy, Liam Patrick, Steven May, Aaron Hall
In: Michael Rischitelli, Sam Day, Aaron Hall -
Out: -
Broadcast guide
Form
Melbourne: L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, W, L, Bye, W, L, L, L, L, L
Gold Coast Suns: L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, Bye, L, L, W, L, L
Ladder position
Melbourne: 16th
Gold Coast Suns: 17th
Head-to-head
Played: 2
Melbourne: 2
Gold Coast Suns: 0
Drawn: 1
At this ground
Played: 1
Melbourne: 1
Gold Coast Suns: 0
Drawn: 0
Last time they met
Round 23, 2011: Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Gold Coast Suns 12.10 (82) at the MCG
Recent streak
Melbourne has won its past two matches against Gold Coast Suns
Memorable match
Round four, 2011: Melbourne 23.21 (159) d Gold Coast Suns 9.15 (69) at the Gabba
The oldest AFL club met the newest when Melbourne played Gold Coast Suns for their inaugural encounter. Playing at the Gabba in front of a crowd of more than 12,000, Melbourne led from early on, and drew away late in the game to take the honours by 90 points. Brad Green booted four goals for the winners and Brent Moloney (32 disposals) and Colin Sylvia (31) shone for the Demons.
Milestones
Melbourne: Brad Green - Green is due to play his 251st game this week, taking him level with James McDonald in seventh spot in the club’s history. The most games for Melbourne in club history are David Neitz (306 games, 1993-2008), Robert Flower (272 games, 1973-87), Adem Yze (271 games, 1995-2008), Jim Stynes (264 games, 1987-98), Steven Febey (258 games, 1988-2001), Brian Dixon (252 games, 1954-68), James McDonald (251 games, 1997-2010), Brad Green (250 games, 2000-current), Jeff White (236 games, 1998-2008) and Brett Lovett (235 games, 1986-97).
Gold Coast Suns: Nil
Coaching record
Mark Neeld: 17 matches, 2 win, 0 draws, 15 losses
Guy McKenna: 39 matches, 4 wins, 0 draws, 35 losses
Injury list
Melbourne: Clint Bartram (knee) - season, Jamie Bennell (knee) - season, Mitch Clark (foot) - season, Aaron Davey (foot) - season, Max Gawn (knee) - season, Mark Jamar (calf) - 2-3 weeks, Liam Jurrah (ankle) - 2 weeks, Daniel Nicholson (jaw) - 2-3 weeks, Ricky Petterd (hamstring) - test, Rory Taggert (back) - indefinite, Josh Tynan (concussion) - test, Jack Watts (ankle) - test
Gold Coast Suns: Nathan Bock (leg) - season, Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) - indefinite, Jack Hutchins (kidney) - season, Jaeger O’Meara (groin) - season, Alex Sexton (hip) - season, Seb Tape (knee) - season, Rory Thompson (ankle) - season, Joel Wilkinson (ankle) - 1-2 weeks
Players to watch
Melbourne: Brent Moloney
The midfielder bounced back from a two game absence from the side to produce arguably his best match for the season against North Melbourne last round. The reigning club champion has had a frustrating season, but he worked hard to collect 29 disposals against the Roos - second only to teammate Nathan Jones.
Gold Coast Suns: Matthew Warnock
Although he played against the Demons in the opening round of the NAB Cup this year, the key defender will play against his former team for the first time in a home and away match. Warnock has had a strong season for the Suns, playing every match and winning a career best 222 disposals. His 18th match for the Suns this round will mark the most he’s played in a season.
Match-up to watch
Jordie McKenzie v Gary Ablett
McKenzie has been given some significant run-with roles this year and being assigned to one of the best in the business will be one of his biggest challenges yet. Ablett has again had a stellar season, amassing 42 disposals last round for a total of 527 touches this year. McKenzie, who returned last round from a one match absence due to a groin injury, will give his absolute all against the brilliant Ablett. But curbing the Gold Coast skipper remains one of the toughest jobs in the game.
Most disposals
Melbourne: Nathan Jones (395)
Gold Coast Suns: Gary Ablett (527)
Most marks
Melbourne: Jeremy Howe (96)
Gold Coast Suns: Matthew Warnock (68)
Most tackles
Melbourne: Jordie McKenzie (98)
Gold Coast Suns: Gary Ablett (81)
Most goals
Melbourne: Mitch Clark (29)
Gold Coast Suns: Harley Bennell (20)
How’s stat?
This will be Melbourne’s third match against Gold Coast Suns. Each time the Demons have had a different coach. Last year, Dean Bailey coached Melbourne to a 90 point win in round four and Todd Viney guided the Demons to a 30 point victory in round 23. Mark Neeld will coach Melbourne this time around.
Foot in both camps
Those who have been involved with both clubs include: Andy Lovell, Matthew Warnock, Jeff White
What Mark Neeld says …
“They’re showing some improvement and we’ll be up against a side of similar experience, so it’s a really good opportunity to put our best foot forward. Both sides are similar in terms of experience. If we manage to field a side with more experience than the opposition - that’s only going to be the second time for the year. In terms of that, it should be a really close tussle.”
Key Melbourne question
Melbourne will enter this clash as favourites - a rarity this season. Can the Demons win their third match of the season?
Key Gold Coast Suns question
The Suns have notched up just one victory in 2012. Can they upset the Demons and win their first match in Victoria and at the MCG?
Summary
Although the Demons enter this match as favourites - a rarity this season - overcoming the Suns won’t be a lay down misere. Aside from last round’s comprehensive loss to ladder leaders Sydney Swans, Gold Coast has been in reasonable form recently. It narrowly went down to Geelong and Brisbane Lions in the past month, while it recorded its one and only win for the season against Richmond in Cairns. A Karmichael Hunt goal after the final siren sealed the deal for the Suns. The Demons have gained two wins this season - against Essendon and Greater Western Sydney - and have produced fluctuating results in recent weeks. Several quarters have been impressive, while others have been poor. Although Melbourne has yet to lose to Gold Coast - although it did in a shortened NAB Cup clash this year - this is its best chance of winning since round 13 against GWS. But it can’t afford to take the Suns, led by the scintillating Ablett, lightly. It’s a danger game for the Dees, even if the pendulum is swinging towards the red and blue.
Broadcast guide
Form
Melbourne: L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, W, L, Bye, W, L, L, L, L, L
Gold Coast Suns: L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, Bye, L, L, W, L, L
Ladder position
Melbourne: 16th
Gold Coast Suns: 17th
Head-to-head
Played: 2
Melbourne: 2
Gold Coast Suns: 0
Drawn: 1
At this ground
Played: 1
Melbourne: 1
Gold Coast Suns: 0
Drawn: 0
Last time they met
Round 23, 2011: Melbourne 17.10 (112) d Gold Coast Suns 12.10 (82) at the MCG
Recent streak
Melbourne has won its past two matches against Gold Coast Suns
Memorable match
Round four, 2011: Melbourne 23.21 (159) d Gold Coast Suns 9.15 (69) at the Gabba
The oldest AFL club met the newest when Melbourne played Gold Coast Suns for their inaugural encounter. Playing at the Gabba in front of a crowd of more than 12,000, Melbourne led from early on, and drew away late in the game to take the honours by 90 points. Brad Green booted four goals for the winners and Brent Moloney (32 disposals) and Colin Sylvia (31) shone for the Demons.
Milestones
Melbourne: Brad Green - Green is due to play his 251st game this week, taking him level with James McDonald in seventh spot in the club’s history. The most games for Melbourne in club history are David Neitz (306 games, 1993-2008), Robert Flower (272 games, 1973-87), Adem Yze (271 games, 1995-2008), Jim Stynes (264 games, 1987-98), Steven Febey (258 games, 1988-2001), Brian Dixon (252 games, 1954-68), James McDonald (251 games, 1997-2010), Brad Green (250 games, 2000-current), Jeff White (236 games, 1998-2008) and Brett Lovett (235 games, 1986-97).
Gold Coast Suns: Nil
Coaching record
Mark Neeld: 17 matches, 2 win, 0 draws, 15 losses
Guy McKenna: 39 matches, 4 wins, 0 draws, 35 losses
Injury list
Melbourne: Clint Bartram (knee) - season, Jamie Bennell (knee) - season, Mitch Clark (foot) - season, Aaron Davey (foot) - season, Max Gawn (knee) - season, Mark Jamar (calf) - 2-3 weeks, Liam Jurrah (ankle) - 2 weeks, Daniel Nicholson (jaw) - 2-3 weeks, Ricky Petterd (hamstring) - test, Rory Taggert (back) - indefinite, Josh Tynan (concussion) - test, Jack Watts (ankle) - test
Gold Coast Suns: Nathan Bock (leg) - season, Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) - indefinite, Jack Hutchins (kidney) - season, Jaeger O’Meara (groin) - season, Alex Sexton (hip) - season, Seb Tape (knee) - season, Rory Thompson (ankle) - season, Joel Wilkinson (ankle) - 1-2 weeks
Players to watch
Melbourne: Brent Moloney
The midfielder bounced back from a two game absence from the side to produce arguably his best match for the season against North Melbourne last round. The reigning club champion has had a frustrating season, but he worked hard to collect 29 disposals against the Roos - second only to teammate Nathan Jones.
Gold Coast Suns: Matthew Warnock
Although he played against the Demons in the opening round of the NAB Cup this year, the key defender will play against his former team for the first time in a home and away match. Warnock has had a strong season for the Suns, playing every match and winning a career best 222 disposals. His 18th match for the Suns this round will mark the most he’s played in a season.
Match-up to watch
Jordie McKenzie v Gary Ablett
McKenzie has been given some significant run-with roles this year and being assigned to one of the best in the business will be one of his biggest challenges yet. Ablett has again had a stellar season, amassing 42 disposals last round for a total of 527 touches this year. McKenzie, who returned last round from a one match absence due to a groin injury, will give his absolute all against the brilliant Ablett. But curbing the Gold Coast skipper remains one of the toughest jobs in the game.
Most disposals
Melbourne: Nathan Jones (395)
Gold Coast Suns: Gary Ablett (527)
Most marks
Melbourne: Jeremy Howe (96)
Gold Coast Suns: Matthew Warnock (68)
Most tackles
Melbourne: Jordie McKenzie (98)
Gold Coast Suns: Gary Ablett (81)
Most goals
Melbourne: Mitch Clark (29)
Gold Coast Suns: Harley Bennell (20)
How’s stat?
This will be Melbourne’s third match against Gold Coast Suns. Each time the Demons have had a different coach. Last year, Dean Bailey coached Melbourne to a 90 point win in round four and Todd Viney guided the Demons to a 30 point victory in round 23. Mark Neeld will coach Melbourne this time around.
Foot in both camps
Those who have been involved with both clubs include: Andy Lovell, Matthew Warnock, Jeff White
What Mark Neeld says …
“They’re showing some improvement and we’ll be up against a side of similar experience, so it’s a really good opportunity to put our best foot forward. Both sides are similar in terms of experience. If we manage to field a side with more experience than the opposition - that’s only going to be the second time for the year. In terms of that, it should be a really close tussle.”
Key Melbourne question
Melbourne will enter this clash as favourites - a rarity this season. Can the Demons win their third match of the season?
Key Gold Coast Suns question
The Suns have notched up just one victory in 2012. Can they upset the Demons and win their first match in Victoria and at the MCG?
Summary
Although the Demons enter this match as favourites - a rarity this season - overcoming the Suns won’t be a lay down misere. Aside from last round’s comprehensive loss to ladder leaders Sydney Swans, Gold Coast has been in reasonable form recently. It narrowly went down to Geelong and Brisbane Lions in the past month, while it recorded its one and only win for the season against Richmond in Cairns. A Karmichael Hunt goal after the final siren sealed the deal for the Suns. The Demons have gained two wins this season - against Essendon and Greater Western Sydney - and have produced fluctuating results in recent weeks. Several quarters have been impressive, while others have been poor. Although Melbourne has yet to lose to Gold Coast - although it did in a shortened NAB Cup clash this year - this is its best chance of winning since round 13 against GWS. But it can’t afford to take the Suns, led by the scintillating Ablett, lightly. It’s a danger game for the Dees, even if the pendulum is swinging towards the red and blue.
