It’s been over a year since Essendon last faced Gold Coast, but the sides will finally battle again this Sunday afternoon at Metricon Stadium.

It is not often that the teams square off, having taken each other on twice in a single year on just one occasion when the Bombers’ squad was greatly depleted in 2016.

But the gutsy side claimed a stirring victory in a memorable clash in round 21 that year – the last time Essendon hosted Gold Coast.

The Bombers travel north again this week, just like last year when they overcame a half-time deficit to record a 44-point win.

It was a slow start for the Dons that night, struggling to break through in an error-riddled opening half from both sides.

The Suns were particularly wasteful, booting 2.8 in the first term and entering the main break with 4.11, five points clear of the Bombers.

Bomber Devon Smith’s outrageous dribbling goal under pressure was the clear highlight of the half, adding plenty of flair to what had been a largely uneventful game to half-time.

But a brutal 15-minute burst to kick off the second half proved crucial for Essendon as it sparked to life, with the side booting four quick goals to wrest back the momentum and take control of the important game.

The defence – led brilliantly by Michael Hurley (24 disposals, 10 marks, six rebound 50s and six one percenters) and Cale Hooker (19 disposals and nine marks) – was also at its uncompromising best in the third term, letting in just three behinds.  

Coach John Worsfold addresses the Bombers during last year’s clash with Gold Coast. (Image: AFL Photos)

While the Suns fought the game out with a pair of goals in the final term, the damage had well and truly been done and the Bombers confidently raced away with another five goals.

It was an important finish for the Dons, finally making the most of their dominance around the ground to hit the scoreboard and claim their fourth interstate win on the trot, keeping their slim finals chances alive in the process.

The success was built off the back of a clear victory on the ball, with Essendon winning disposals 425 to 309, inside 50s 66 to 47, contested possessions 158 to 137 and tackles 69 to 61.

Captain Dyson Heppell was inspirational for the Bombers, gathering 36 disposals, 15 contested possessions and seven clearances, while fellow leader Zach Merrett had the ball on a string with 37 disposals, 28 uncontested possessions, seven tackles and seven inside 50s.

Dyson Heppell was outstanding against the Suns at Metricon Stadium last year. (Image: AFL Photos)

The club’s brigade of impressive youngsters also stood up when it counted, with Kyle Langford (26 disposals, 10 inside 50s and three goal assists), Andrew McGrath (25 disposals, nine marks and five running bounces) and Matt Guelfi (17 disposals, six one percenters and two goals) putting on a huge display of their talent.

Both sides will feature a number of different faces this time around, but another intriguing contest awaits us with each team as hungry as ever to claim another vital win.

While the Dons enter the game off four wins, Gold Coast has fallen to 13 losses in a row, but that doesn’t mean the Suns are out of it.

A competitive finish against an in-form Carlton line-up last week showed there is plenty of fight left in Gold Coast this year.

In fact, the Suns average more clearances (40 to 38) and tackles (65 to 63) this season than the Bombers, so the midfield battle will again prove crucial on Sunday.

It is all set to begin at 4:40pm.