Amy McDonald v Tiarna Ernst
Ernst is a veteran of women’s footy.
The former Western Bulldogs premiership player moved to the Gold Coast as part of last year’s trade period.
In her first three seasons, Ernst played predominantly as a tall defender.
However, this season the Suns have reinvented the 32-year-old as a winger.
Last week Ernst kicked her first ever goal showing her new attacking side.
McDonald has had an impressive start to her debut season.
Playing on the wing the 22-year old averages 12 disposals and four tackles a game.
A 15cm height difference may give Ernst an edge in the air, however the weather forecast in Mackay tells of showers and thunderstorms, which will take away any arial advantage and probably suit smaller and more agile McDonald.
Julia Crockett-Grills v Jamie Stanton
Crockett-Grills has been one of the Cats' most improved this season.
The 25-year-old has doubled her disposal output this season compared to last year averaging 15 disposals a game.
In Jordan Ivey’s absence (suspension), Crockett-Grills may have to play as a defensive inside mid, allowing Webster and Purcell to weave their attacking magic.
Stanton is the most experienced and dangerous midfielder at the Gold Coast.
In her fourth season Stanton leads her team for disposals, metres gained, contested possessions and marks.
Crockett-Grills will be busy if she intends to stop the Suns’ best player.
Phoebe McWilliams v Lauren Ahrens
These two are originally from the same local club, the St Kilda Sharks in the VFLW.
Ahrens moved to the Gold Coast to pursue her football career, a move that has paid dividends so far.
The 182cm defender is fourth in the competition for intercept possessions averaging nearly seven per game.
McWilliams has been playing higher up the ground in the past two matches, finding more of the football between the arcs.
Even though she hasn’t been hitting the scoreboard, McWilliams has been an important link between the midfield and the forward line.
These two former teammates will be a match-up to watch out for.
