Before you head to Spotless Stadium for this week’s big clash, check out some of the key stats which could influence the game between the GIANTS and the Suns.
The GIANTS are sitting on five wins and two losses for the year and are on a four-game winning streak - the most in their history.
It’s the opposite story for the Suns who have lost four on the trot after winning the first three of the season.
The GIANTS are kicking an average of 132 points per game and limiting their opposition to just 76.
The Suns though, have one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition, sixth in the AFL for scores per entry (51%), sixth for goals per entry (28%) and fifth for marks per entry (26%).
Their big improver is key forward Tom Lynch, who was already a star coming into this season. He’s jumped 24 spots in the AFL’s Player Ratings, now sitting at number 34.
He’s also coming second in the Coleman Medal with 28 goals and is second in the competition for contested marks with 21 for the year.
The Suns are one of the fastest teams in the comp with the leg speed of the likes of Jarrod Harbrow, Adam Saad, Sean Lemmens, Gary Ablett, Aaron Hall, Dion Prestio, Callum Ah Chee, Jack Martin, Jarrod Garlett and Jarrad Grant all with speed to burn.
They also move the ball quickly, playing on from the mark 43% of the time in the mid zone which is third in the AFL. They’re second for handballing out of a stoppage, taking that option 63% of the time.
But Gold Coast is the worst clearance team in 2016 with 32 per game, while the GIANTS are ranked second at 41 per game.
The GIANTS and Suns have met seven times in their history with the Suns holding a narrow 4-3 lead, however the GIANTS have won the past two.
The GIANTS dominated the last time the sides played, winning the disposal count 384-305, the marks 121-79, having 10 more scoring shots and 16 more inside 50s. Devon Smith was best on ground with 27 disposals and four goals.
The Suns travel to Spotless Stadium for the first time in round eight and they’ve yet to win a game in Sydney, losing twice previously to the Swans at the SCG.
