Match day guide and preview for the AFL Round 17 game between the Giants and Suns.
Who, when and where?
GWS Giants vs Gold Coast Suns
Sunday 11 July 2021 at 12.40pm (AEST)
Mars Stadium, Ballarat.
All time head-to-head record: Played 14. Giants 10 wins. Suns 4 wins.
Ladder position and recent form
GWS Giants 8th – 97.1% | 1214 points for |1250 points against | 7 wins, 7 losses & 1 draw | WLWDL
The Giants jumped into eighth spot with an upset victory over the Demons last week, their best win of the season.
They showed tremendous character to stave off a late fightback from the Dees and thoroughly deserved the four points.
Despite the good win last week, the Giants form has been patchy of late, and with a tough run home, they need to make the most of this opportunity against Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Suns 14th – 88% | 1030 points for | 1170 points against | 5 wins & 10 losses | WLLLW
The Suns have found wins hard to come by this season (and their entire history), but they recorded a famous victory over the reigning premiers last week.
Gold Coast were in front for the majority of the match before Richmond came with a late rush. The Suns managed to steady themselves to take back the lead and record one the club’s best wins.
It was a terrific performance from a club under pressure, but it won’t mean much if they can’t back it up with another strong showing against GWS.
Team selection
GWS Giants
IN: Jesse Hogan, Sam Taylor
OUT: Jack Buckley (Injured), Jeremy Finlayson (omitted), Matt Flynn (omitted)
In a big boost for the club, forward Jesse Hogan returns for his third game of the season and first since round nine. Jeremy Finlayson goes out for Hogan while Matt Flynn has also been dropped.
Young gun Jack Buckley will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL last week, but a handy replacement in Sam Taylor comes straight back in.
The Giants have decided to give captain Stephen Coniglio another run in the reserves as he makes his way back from a serious ankle injury, but he may find it hard to crack into an in-form midfield group.
Gold Coast Suns
In: Hugh Greenwood
OUT: Josh Corbett (Injured), Darcy MacPherson (Medi-Sub
The Suns welcome the return of big-bodied midfielder Hugh Greenwood while Josh Corbett is out injured.
Click here to view final teams.
Players to watch
Giants – Callan Ward
After playing just eight games in the previous two seasons, the former captain is now enjoying some continuity and is playing some good footy.
He’s averaging over 23 disposals a game and is also hitting the scoreboard, kicking six goals in his last five matches.
The 31-year-old spent a bit of time playing at half back early in the season, but the Giants look much better with the hard nut in the midfield.
Suns – Touk Miller
Miller has been a solid contributor for the Suns for at least five years, but he has become a star in 2021.
He’s averaging over 30 disposals, six tackles, five clearances and four inside 50s per game and is line for his first All-Australian selection.
He’s the engine room of the Suns midfield with his gut running is as good as anyone in the AFL. The Giants have left tagger Matt de Boer out of the side so Miller would be relieved about that.
Last 5 meetings
- 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 Suns4.2 (26) at Giants Stadium
- 2017 Round 2 – Giants 24.16 (160) defeat Suns 8.10 (58) at Giants Stadium
The Giants have absolutely dominated the recent clashes between the sides, winning the last five encounters by an average of 78.2 points per game.
GWS have in fact won the last nine clashes between the sides with the Suns last win coming all the way back in round 6 2014.
Pre match predictions
Breaking Lach-down: Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash to get loose with 50 disposals and a goal between them.
Getting on a Rowell: Matt Rowell to get his season going with 25 touches and a goal.
TV schedule
Sunday’s match will be shown live via the Seven Network in the ACT and NSW and Fox Footy and Kayo nationally from 12.30pm.
Gates open 11.40am
Click here for more match day information and COVID protocols.
