James Sicily v Ben King
Though King had a quiet game last weekend against the Lions, last year’s number six draft pick has shown promising signs in recent weeks.
The 202cm key forward kicked four goals against the Bombers in Round 19 and three goals the following week against Collingwood.
Sicily was best on ground for the Hawks against the Giants last weekend collecting 33 disposals – a season-high for 2019.
Sixteen of those were intercept possessions highlighting Sicily’s ability to read the play.
With a 16cm height difference between the two, you get the feeling that the battle between Sicily and King will come down to the Suns’ delivery inside 50.
If the Suns don’t hit their big man Sicily will use his experience to read the play and provide the Hawks with rebound out of defensive 50.
Ben McEvoy/Jonathon Ceglar v Jarrod Witts
The Gold Coast are number one in the competition for hit-outs, a stat largely thanks to their co-captain Jarrod Witts.
In his third season at the Suns, Witts is experiencing career best numbers for hit-outs (45 a game) and disposals.
McEvoy missed last week’s game through injury, however should he play this weekend he would be looking for revenge against Witts.
The last time the two met, Witts had 10 more hit-outs than McEvoy.
Should Ceglar play, he will go into the match with confidence after his game last week against the Giants where he matched it with their two rucks Dawson Simpson and Shane Mumford.
Whoever it is that takes on Witts is sure to have their work cut out for them.
Jaeger O’Meara v David Swallow
Two former teammates going head-to-head.
On paper the two are extremely similar, matching up on contested possessions, handballs and inside 50s.
Where they differ is in tackles and centre clearances, where O’Meara has a slight ascendency.
With the stats between these two so close, you’d say it will come down to who is “on” on the day.
Will O’Meara be driven by the fact he is playing against his old club? Or will Swallow as co-captain lift to inspire his troops?
