With both the GIANTS and Gold Coast smarting from losses in round one, their meeting at Spotless Stadium on Saturday could be a tight tussle.

We take a look at the stats that could make a difference when the final siren sounds.

Despite the Suns losing to Brisbane by two points last Saturday, they dominated just about every statistical area of the game.

Gold Coast managed to win eight more clearances than the Lions (second in the AFL for clearance differential), which helped them come back from a 47-point deficit midway through the second term.

The Suns were strong around stoppages, winning 33 pre-clearance contested possessions. 

The addition of experienced midfielders Michael Barlow and Jarryd Lyons has been a massive boost for Gold Coast’s midfield and their forwards.

Barlow and Lyons were ranked fourth and fifth for score involvements last weekend, behind Touk Miller and Aaron Hall.

And Gary Ablett is looking threatening.

The dual Brownlow Medalist gained 609m (second for Gold Coast last week), had six score involvements (the sixth most) and was the top possession getter on the ground with 28 disposals.

Tom Lynch was the main target of their attack with 42 per cent of their 74 inside 50s directed towards the dangerous forward.

Lynch kicked three goals and provided two goal assists against the Lions, meaning Phil Davis will have a big task on his hands on Saturday.

The GIANTS, on the other hand, won the clearance count but recorded less inside 50s, disposals and tackles than Adelaide. 

However, they will take confidence from their recent form against the Suns, having won the previous four encounters.

Playing at Spotless Stadium for the first time in 2017 will also be a confidence booster with the GIANTS winning six of their nine games there in 2016 and the Suns struggling on the road last year, losing eight of their nine games.