LOCKED in a four-team group, four points out of the eight, every win for Adelaide is now crucially important. After dropping games from winnable positions, the Crows risk falling too far behind those vying for a place in the finals. Gold Coast won't be offering up an easy victory either. The Suns have been superb this year and although they've struggled against Adelaide in the past, it's clear as day they have matured significantly. Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett escaped sanction for a stray elbow and will hope to continue his excellent personal form against 'the pride of South Australia'.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Sunday May 24, 12.40pm (ACST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2013, Adelaide 16.15 (111) d Gold Coast 11.17 (83) at Metricon Stadium
R23, 2012, Adelaide 22.21 (153) d Gold Coast 9.8 (62) at AAMI Stadium
R1, 2012, Adelaide 19.23 (137) d Gold Coast 10.8 (68) at Metricon Stadium
R22, 2011, Adelaide 18.17 (125) d Gold Coast 9.10 (64) at Metricon Stadium
R8, 2011, Adelaide 20.10 (130) d Gold Coast 9.19 (73) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast has won its last five matches this season, a club-record winning sequence; since round five they’ve kicked an average score of 116 points to 82.
2. The Suns are the number one contested possession side in 2014, averaging 152 a game, while the Crows are equal 11th with 136 contested possessions a game.
3. In the fives clashes so far between the sides brilliant Suns captain Gary Ablett and Crow Patrick Dangerfield have kicked 11 goals each; Dangerfield kicked a career high six in 2011 at AAMI Stadium.
4. Ablett enjoys an impressive record against Adelaide; he’s kicked 26 goals in 18 games and polled 13 Brownlow votes with four best-on-ground performances.
5. Despite its struggles with skill errors, Adelaide is averaging fewer clangers than any other side in 2014 (39.8 a game). The Suns though are the worst offender, averaging 55 a game.
6. The last time these sides met it was Ablett who reigned supreme, picking up a game-high 25 Official AFL Player Ratings points in the Suns' 28-point loss.
