Returning Suns a boost for Swans visit

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade is talking tough before a likely wet-weather wrestle against AFL high-flyers Sydney.

The hosts appear to be lambs to the slaughter against the in-form Swans, having lost seven straight AFL matches including a 77-point hiding by West Coast last time out.

But the return of five players from injury for Saturday’s clash has Eade expecting an instant improvement from his charges against John Longmire’s men.

The Suns have named Matt Rosa, Touk Miller, Alex Sexton, Callum Ah Chee and Kade Kolodjashnij for the visit by the Swans.

Rosa (hamstring) and Sexton (arm) have missed the past three weeks, while Miller (ankle) has missed two games.

Ah Chee and Kolodjashnij make instant returns after missing the loss to West Coast last week.

“There’s enough positivity in the way we’re going about it that getting some numbers back will make a fair difference, to be honest,” Eade said.

“It’s going to be a battle but there’s enough from what I’ve seen that we can turn this around pretty quickly.”

The Swans head north sitting second on the ladder and coming off wins over premiers Hawthorn and ladder leaders North Melbourne.

Heavy rain is forecast for southeast Queensland on Saturday afternoon, with up to 160mm predicted to fall across the region in just a few hours.

Eade says the weather will only emphasise the need to take on the Swans at their own game.

“If it’s a deluge tomorrow, it’s just going to be a real slog,” he said.

“Sydney are as good as any team at the contest and at putting pressure on. They’re bigger bodies and very good at that, which will be a great challenge for us.

“Our last two weeks have been really pleasing in that area and we’ve just got to match them.”

GOLD COAST v SYDNEY – Key match stats

* Sydney has never lost to the Gold Coast in six matches. Four have been decided by more than 50 points.

* Since round six, the Suns have lost by an average margin of 87 points.

* Swans spearhead Lance Franklin will make his 50th AFL appearance for the club. He has failed to kick fewer than three goals in only one game this year.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!