Dew wants speedy Suns to face Demons

Stuart Dew is hoping forward Sean Lemmens can return from injury to add speed to Gold Coast for their AFL clash with Melbourne.

Stuart Dew.

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew says speed will be crucial in the Suns' AFL clash with Melbourne. (AAP)

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew has a need for speed this Saturday against Melbourne.

Dew believes pace will be a key factor at Metricon Stadium as the Demons look to build on last weekend's AFL win over Hawthorn.

Forward Sean Lemmens is a strong chance to return from a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle after coming through a reserves match, while defender Pearce Hanley has recovered from the bruised shin which ruled him out of last Saturday's clash with West Coast in Perth.

Dew says the inclusion of Lemmens and Hanley will be important in nullifying Melbourne's speed across the field.

"They move the ball so fast. They're number one from mark-play on, so they're looking to move the ball pretty quick," Dew said.

"They have a lot of inside 50s ... they haven't been able to convert. Stats can be misleading but they've had plenty of ball."

The Demons' five-point win over the Hawks was just their second this season and they head to the Gold Coast behind the Suns on the ladder despite pre-season predictions of very different seasons for both clubs.

Dew doesn't believe those who have written off the Demons however and expects another tough challenge for his team following last week's loss to the Eagles.

"With the comp being so even, they're certainly not done yet," the Suns coach said.

"We're preparing for a team that will come over hungry, they won last week and will be looking to gain momentum but we want to meet them head on.

"We were able to pinch two quarters against the reigning premiers ... pleasing in that sense that we showed we could compete.

"The challenge will be to get that belief from the start."


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Source: AAP



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