SUMMARY
Both teams had high hopes entering 2016, but they'll face off in Saturday night's final round with nothing more than pride on the line. Gold Coast has been smashed by injuries and won just six games, while Port Adelaide has been frustrating and brilliant in equal measures this year. The Power pushed second-placed Adelaide in a narrow Showdown loss last weekend, but it's hard to get a real form line on them. Conversely, the Suns were terrible against Collingwood and look to be out on their feet. The decimated midfield has left too much load on too many young bodies and they clearly can't wait until the season ends. Port should have too much run and too much class, and win comfortably.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, August 27, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2015, Port Adelaide 12.16 (88) d Gold Coast 7.9 (51) at Metricon Stadium
R21, 2014, Port Adelaide 7.14 (56) d Gold Coast 7.5 (47) at Metricon Stadium
R21, 2013, Port Adelaide 16.17 (113) d Gold Coast 14.12 (96) at AAMI Stadium
R4, 2013, Port Adelaide 16.8 (104) d Gold Coast 9.12 (66) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2012, Port Adelaide 17.16 (118) d Gold Coast 10.10 (70) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hamish Hartlett was best on ground last time these sides played, with 32 disposals, seven tackles and the three Brownlow Medal votes. Sam Gray had 37 touches, and ruck duo Matthew Lobbe and Patrick Ryder combined for 58 hit-outs.
2. One area in which the Suns have been impressive in 2016 is marks inside 50, ranked eighth with 12 a game, thanks largely to Tom Lynch who is second behind only Eagle Josh Kennedy with a total of 74.
3. This is the seventh clash between the clubs with Port Adelaide holding a 5-1 advantage. The Suns' sole victory was the club's maiden win in the AFL, in round five, 2011.
4. The Suns are the worst clearance team in 2016, averaging 33 a game, and are 14th for centre clearances. The Power have been impressive in clearances, ranked third.
5. The Power have struggled for contested marks in 2016, ranked 17th, averaging only 9.7 a game. The Suns are ranked 11th with 11 a game.
6. With Ollie Wines moving to a career-high 39th, Port now has five players in the top 40 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings – Robbie Gray (No.2), Chad Wingard (No.23), Travis Boak (No.27), Justin Westhoff (No.32) and Wines.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matt Shaw.
He's not the Suns' biggest name, but Shaw becomes the club's fourth player – and second of its drafted crop – to reach 100 games. Veterans Michael Rischitelli and Jarrod Harbrow, along with star forward Tom Lynch have reached the milestone earlier, but the ever-reliable winger now joins the list.
MICHAEL WHITING'S PREDICTION: Port Adelaide by 34 points
