Where and when: Metricon Stadium, Sunday July 28, 4.40pm AEST

TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide 

What it means for Gold Coast: The Suns took a small step in the right direction with a consistent effort against Carlton. They need to be better again against Essendon or risk losing home supporters and drift towards another off-season.

What it means for Essendon: One of the hottest teams in the competition, the Bombers need to keep their foot down with a strong win. Teams jostling for the top eight can't lose momentum at this time of the year.

The stat: Gold Coast's 13 straight losses have been marred by leaky defensive performances. The Suns have conceded an average of 104 points a game during that stretch – 10 points more than the next worse team in that period, St Kilda.

Essendon has won its past three matches against Gold Coast. (Photo: AFL Photos)

The match-up: Jarrod Witts v Shaun McKernan
With Essendon still missing the injured Tom Bellchambers, the battle between Witts and McKernan in the rucks looms large. Gold Coast must take advantage of its co-captain's dominance around the stoppages to help halt the Bombers' run.

It’s a big week for: Sean Lemmens
Gold Coast will almost certainly assign the reliable Lemmens the role of shutting down either former Sun Adam Saad or Irishman Conor McKenna from running free off half-back.