Essendon are out-sized in defence with Patrick Ambrose and Matt Dea playing on much taller opponents.  The height differential is only highlighted further by the amount of time Michael Hartley has spent off the field with a broken nose.

To alleviate some problem, Matthew Leuenberger is working hard back in to the defensive 50.  Premiership player Mathew Stokes is also helping to set up the Bombers defence when the Suns take possession.

After undergoing a concussion test, Michael Hartley returned to the field at the ten minute mark of the third term.  His defensive replacement Mitch Brown remained in the backline.

The Gold Coast spent 80% of the first 14 minutes of the term in their attacking half and led the contested possessions (103-82) and inside 50's (47-27) with seven minutes to play.  At that time the Suns led by 13 points.

 David Zaharakis (30), Zach Merrett (29) and James Kelly (24) are the leading ball winners.

The Dons are down by seven points at the last change.