Match day guide and preview for the 2022 AFL round three game between the GWS Giants and Gold Coast Suns.
Who, when and where?
GWS Giants vs Gold Coast Suns
Saturday 2 April 2022 4.35pm (AEDST) @Giants Stadium, NSW.
All time head-to-head record: Played 15. Giants 10 wins. Suns 5 wins.
Teams
Giants
IN: Braydon Preuss, Jake Stein, James Peatling, Lachlan Keefe
OUT: Daniel Lloyd (injured), Jake Riccardi (omitted), Jarrod Brander (omitted), Matt Flynn (omitted), Phil Davis (injured)
Coach Leon Cameron has responded to the disappointing Tigers loss by dropping three, while Davis and Lloyd miss through injury.
Ruckman Preuss is a handy inclusion and will make his GWS debut after missing last year with injury.
Suns
IN: Lachie Weller
OUT: Darcy Macpherson (omitted), Sam Flanders (omitted)
Weller returns from COVID protocols, while Flanders and Macpherson have been dropped after the Suns loss to Melbourne.
Season so far
GWS Giants
It has been another slow start for GWS with a tough round one loss to Sydney followed by a 36-point defeat to Richmond.
They have been the second worst defensive side over the opening fortnight, conceding over 100 points in each game.
The Giants moved the ball slowly against Richmond and it simply didn’t work at all. They ended up having considerably more disposals (404-339) and marks (127-91) than the Tigers, but the over possessing of the ball led to more pressure which resulted in turnovers and scores against.
They started 2021 0-3 and still made finals, but they’ll need to start winning games to stay in touch with the top 8.
Gold Coast Suns
Gold Coast have had a good start to the season with a win over the Eagles in round one followed by a close loss to the reigning premiers
The Suns arguably had a chance to beat Melbourne last week but missed some easy chances early that allowed the Dees to stay in the contest.
Touk Miller is leading the side brilliantly once again, while Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell continue to improve.
Key matchup
Tom Green vs Matt Rowell
The two youngsters have had a great start to the season, and both have the ability to win contested footy at will.
Green has turned into a superstar over the first fortnight, averaging 32.5 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 7 clearances and a goal a game.
Leon Cameron has even used him in the ruck at different times with limited effect, so GWS would be better served keeping him as a midfielder or as a resting forward.
Rowell has struggled with a number of injuries since he burst onto the scene in 2020, but he looked back to his best in round one against the Eagles.
The 20-year-old had 33 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 8 clearances, 6 tackles and was also involved in an incredibly courageous moment, running back with the flight before being crunched by Willie Rioli.
There is plenty to love about these two up and coming superstars so let’s hope they put on a show.
Last 5 meetings and Giants Stadium history
- 2021 round 17 – Giants 9.10 (64) defeated by Suns 10.5 (65) at Mars Stadium
- 2020 round 9 – Suns 4.11 (26) defeated by Giants 9.7 (61) at Metricon Stadium
- 2019 round 11 – Giants 19.12 (126) defeat Suns6.7 (43) at Giants Stadium
- 2019 round 23 – Suns 7.13 (55) defeated by Giants 20.7 (127) at Metricon Stadium
- 2018 round 12 – Giants 20.14 (134) defeat Suns 4.2 (26) at Giants Stadium
The Suns’ thrilling win over GWS in Ballarat last year ended a streak of nine losses in a row to the Giants.
The sides have met just the four times at Giants Stadium with GWS winning all four by a massive average margin of 96 points.
Other match details
Saturday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7mate in the ACT and NSW from 4.30pm.
