AFL Media's Michael Whiting previews Saturday night's clash against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium:
SUMMARY
What looked like a ho-hum game on paper a few weeks back now has some genuine interest, with both teams coming off strong wins. Gold Coast has won two in a row and sits just a game (plus some percentage) outside the top eight, while Carlton's upset win over Greater Western Sydney has put some extra spark in its season. The Blues have won four games and been ultra competitive in many others this season. The teams met in round four with Tom Lynch's seven goals proving the difference, but Carlton has one of the most resolute defences in the League and will have done plenty of homework on the Suns' spearhead. Gold Coast is still missing running defender Jarrod Harbrow through suspension, but is essentially at full strength and should sneak over the line on its home ground.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, June 17, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2017, Gold Coast 17.6 (108) d Carlton 12.10 (82) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2016, Gold Coast 13.17 (95) d Carlton 5.11 (41) at Metricon Stadium
R13, 2015, Carlton 14.19 (103) d Gold Coast 9.15 (69) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2014, Carlton 14.13 (97) d Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2013, Carlton 16.24 (120) d Gold Coast 11.11 (77) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Tom Lynch was the star for the Suns in round four, kicking a career-high seven goals. Gary Ablett had 34 disposals and one goal, while Jack Silvagni took 10 marks and kicked three goals for the Blues.
2. Carlton is the lowest ranked clearance team this season, averaging 33.4 a game. Gold Coast is eighth in the same category.
3. This is the eighth contest between the clubs and the Blues hold a narrow 4-3 advantage. Carlton won four of the first five, with the Suns winning the past two.
4. Gold Coast is the highest disposal team in 2017, averaging 417.5 a game. In contrast, the Blues are ranked 16th, averaging 362.3.
5. The Suns will be aiming for three consecutive wins for the first time since the opening three games of 2016. Carlton has won consecutive games just once in 2017.
6. After three injury-interrupted seasons, Gary Ablett is again firing. The two-time Brownlow medallist has roared to 31st overall in the AFL's Official Player Ratings – up from 164th at the start of the season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jacob Weitering
It could be Weitering or Caleb Marchbank, but whoever spends time on Suns co-captain Tom Lynch will have an enormous role to play. Lynch shredded the Blues when the teams met in round seven, and although the Blues have a strong team defence, curtailing Lynch would go a long way to victory.
