Round 4 Preview

Gold Coast v Melbourne

The Gold Coast were certainly better in their 71 point loss to the Bulldogs last week. 48 points better, in fact, and there were some encouraging signs as their young players started to get used to the faster pace of AFL football.

The Demons, while victorious against the Lions, were incredibly disappointing last week. After scoring the first goal within the first two minutes, they then proceeded to concede the next five goals.

They finally managed to get on top of the lowly Brisbane, mainly thanks to the brilliance of mercurial forward Liam Jurrah and the grunt work of Brent Moloney who gathered 37 possessions. Jared Rivers returned to form down back, producing numerous goal-saving marks

The Suns will continue to get stronger from the experience. Gary Ablett managed to gain 34 possessions in an impressive display, while fellow experienced players Nathan Bock and Jarrod Harbrow also improved on their first game efforts. David Swallow was the best of the first year players.

The Demons need more from their forward line they cant rely on Liam Jurrah weekly, and he will surely be targeted for extra treatment from defenders from now on. Lynden Dunn needs to show more, and new Captain Brad Green still hasnt hit his straps so far this year.

Luke Russell, Hayden Jolly, Matt Shaw and Jack Hutchins are all making their AFL debuts for the Gold Coast. They are joined by Josh Fraser who returns from an ankle complaint, and Josh Toy also makes his way back in. Campbell Brown will miss the next four weeks through suspension, while Nathan Krakouer and Harley Bennell will miss this week.

For the Demons, Ricky Petterd, Addam Maric and James Strauss are all named on an extended bench

Melbourne should win, and this is a chance for players like Green to get rid of the cobwebs and produce a confidence-gaining performance. The Suns would hope to be able to keep reducing the margins and gaining valuable experience.

Melbourne by 45.

The other 6 games can be found HERE