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Miller, Rioli lead Suns into rare MCG clash
Gold Coast offered up some fun facts about today’s game. Touk Miller made his debut against the Dees 10 years arvo while new Sun Daniel Rioli has immediately become the player with the most MCG games in the side.
Bailey Humphrey of the Suns is seen with family on the MCG on Saturday.Credit: AFL Photos
Information courtesy of Suns media:
Today’s match is the Suns only MCG appearance in the 2025 home and away season.
The Suns last win over Melbourne came in Round 5, 2014 at the MCG (Record: 3 wins, 15 losses).
Today is Ethan Read and Jed Walter’s first AFL match at the MCG.
Games played at the MCG: Daniel Rioli (102), John Noble (59), Jarrod Witts (31), Touk Miller (9), Ben Long (9).
Touk Miller made his AFL debut at the MCG against Melbourne, in Round 1, 2015.
Ben King (six goals) is currently equal-third in the Coleman Medal after playing just one game.
In Round 1, Bailey Humphrey led the AFL for goal assists with five.
Subs named for Dees v Suns
MCG demons: Noble’s advice to Suns about stadium stigma
John Noble has urged his new Gold Coast teammates not to be overawed by the MCG’s vast surrounds as they seek to plant a flag on the hallowed turf against Melbourne.
Noble, who played 59 of his 112 games with Collingwood at the famed venue, is one of the few Suns with more than a handful of appearances at the home of football.
John Noble.Credit: Getty Images
The expansion club’s all-time MCG record stands at 5-13 and they only have one shot at the venue this home-and-away season, tackling the winless-yet-dangerous Demons on Saturday.
“It’s got a stigma and a presence, the stadium itself,” Noble told AAP.
“It might sound a bit funny, but when you’re out there it is very much on top of you.
“As the crowd builds up it gets loud. Whether that’s the case on the weekend or not, we’ll wait and see, but it’s a big ground and it can be intimidating.
“For some of these boys it’s their second or third time playing on the ‘G, so it’s just about staying calm and composed.”
Along with Noble, former Richmond speedster Daniel Rioli (102) and ex-Collingwood ruckman Jarrod Witts (31) are the only Gold Coast players with more than 10 MCG appearances.
Even 11-year veteran Touk Miller and former St Kilda forward Ben Long (nine each) are still in single-figure tallies.
As well as a poor MCG ledger, the Suns are out to reverse their rough overall away form after posting a 2-9 record on the road in 2024.
A club-record 87-point thumping of West Coast in Perth a fortnight ago was a strong way to start.
“It was awesome to get a win away against the Eagles and kick-start our new campaign in our new era,” Noble said.
“There was a lot of noise surrounding our club’s away record last year and winning away is always tough, no matter where it is.
“You’ve got to play your best wherever you go, so for us it’s not really any different.
“It’s always nice to play well at the ’G, don’t get me wrong, but we want to play our best footy everywhere.”
Gold Coast (1-0) are also out to snap a 12-match losing streak against Melbourne.
Another victory for the Demons on Saturday would equal the longest active winning streak in the AFL, held by Geelong over North Melbourne.
Noble expects a strong response from Melbourne (0-2) after they were handed a 59-point thrashing by the Kangaroos in round two.
“We know what Melbourne are capable of and they’re a really strong contest team,” Noble said.
“They wouldn’t be too happy with how they played last week, so we’re expecting their best.”
The Suns received a boost on Friday when Melbourne defender Jake Lever was ruled out because of the rolled ankle he suffered against the Kangaroos.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin had been confident that Lever would be ready, but he pulled up sore after Thursday training.
Mac Andrew (chest), Sam Flanders (back) and Jed Walter (suspension) return for Gold Coast, who have lost Charlie Ballard (knee) and Ben Ainsworth (quad) to injuries and left out Alex Sexton.
Steven May (fractured larynx) and Jake Melksham (hamstring) headline Melbourne’s inclusions on return from injury.
Aidan Johnson, Jack Billings and Harvey Langford are also back for Melbourne.
Matt Jefferson (fractured hand) and Charlie Spargo (concussion) are unavailable, while Blake Howes, Taj Woewodin and Daniel Turner have been dropped.
AAP
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Good afternoon
G’day everyone. I’m Roy Ward and welcome to today’s AFL live blog as we go through all the Saturday games for round three.
First bounce for Melbourne v Gold Coast is at 1.20pm AEDT, the rest will follow from there and we will be with you until after full time in tonight’s two matches.
Enjoy the hours to come.
