Where and when: Metricon Stadium, Sunday August 2, 3.35pm AEST
Last time they met: It was the final round of the 2019 season and Jeremy Cameron kicked nine goals, clinching the Coleman Medal as the team enjoyed a 72-point win at Metricon Stadium, 20.7 (127) to 7.13 (55). The win snapped a two-game losing streak late in the season, and ensured the GIANTS’ elimination final against the Western Bulldogs would be played at home. Cameron came into the game needing six goals to beat North Melbourne’s Ben Brown for the Coleman, and after a two-goal start then a goalless second quarter he had some work to do. But a five-goal third quarter made sure the medal was his, with two to top if off in the last. While he stole the show, plenty of other GIANTS helped get the team into winning form on the eve of the finals, with Tim Taranto, Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield among the big possession winners and Daniel Lloyd kicking three goals.
TV and online: https://www.afl.com.au/broadcast-guide-premiership
What it means for the GIANTS: It’s been a bumpy few weeks but last week’s win over Richmond has kept the GIANTS in touch with the top eight ahead of some time on the road, starting with two trips to the Gold Coast before the team sets up camp in a Perth hub. With a bunch of sides clustered around the edge of the top eight, every week is another opportunity to build momentum, consistency and form heading towards the last two months of games. This week, it’s against a young, energetic, up-and-about Suns side.
Where’s the opposition at? There’s been a lot to like about the Suns so far this season. Hugh Greenwood and Brandon Ellis have brought big bodies and experience, their young players have given them plenty to get excited about and they have put up a strong fight in every game. They sit 10th on the ladder with four wins from their eight games, and are coming off a close defeat by the Bulldogs.
The number: 8. Hopefully this is no jinx.... but the GIANTS’ best current winning run is against fellow expansion club the Suns, with Gold Coast’s last win over GWS coming back in round six, 2014, when the Suns had a 40-point victory at home.
In the mix: Daniel Lloyd is out for a few weeks having undergone finger surgery on the weekend, but Callan Ward has made a quick recovery from his latest knee injury and should be available. Zac Williams, who injured a hamstring in round four, is ready to go again and Adam Kennedy (hamstring tendon) is expected to line up in a scratch match with the NEAFL side on Friday, playing his first game since round one. Shane Mumford (neck) will also be up for selection, with the likes of Xavier O’Halloran, Tom Green and Jack Buckley continuing to push their case.
In the spotlight: Josh Kelly. While Toby Greene’s five-goal haul was crucial to getting the GIANTS over the line against the Tigers last week, so too was Kelly’s game. The midfielder was busy from start to finish, gathering 26 possessions and kicking a typically classy goal from tight in the pocket. But his pressure around the contest was key: the GIANTS upped their tackle count significantly on previous games and Kelly helped make sure they did, laying a team-best eight for the evening.
