Melbourne v Gold Coast, MCG Saturday, March 29, 1.20pm AEDT

Last time: Melbourne 18.9 (117) d Gold Coast 9.9 (63), R23 2024

What it means

Gold Coast has only played one match after its Opening Round fixture was postponed and with an early bye, yet still finds itself sitting in the top eight after a ruthless first-up win. The Suns might finally be ready to put a chequered past behind them after a rare win on the road against the Eagles and could make an even firmer statement with a victory in their only home and away visit to the MCG.

Melbourne comes up against perhaps its ideal opponent after being humiliated by North Melbourne in a crushing defeat last week. The Suns appear to be far from easybeats these days but the Demons hold an imposing hoodoo over them after winning 15 of 18 matches between the two sides, including all of the past 12 clashes starting in 2015.

Game shapers

Clayton Oliver is nearing a return to his best for Melbourne after putting aside any interest he had in moving elsewhere late last year. The three-time All-Australian stood tall for the Demons with 36 disposals and 12 clearances even as their midfield was dismantled by the Kangaroos last week, and can now lead the way further with a lift in defensive pressure to go alongside his creative class.

Matt Rowell might be yet to commit long-term to Gold Coast but can be trusted to put his heart and soul into every contest, let alone match, on the field. The midfielder eased to 30 disposals with 10 clearances as the Suns thumped the Eagles in their only outing so far, but is likely to rise to the challenge of further proving himself against one of the top onball brigades in the competition.