The Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants will play their 22nd match on Sunday night. The rivalry, often called the 'Expansion Cup', began in 2012.
Head-to-Head: GWS dominates the rivalry, leading 16-5. Gold Coast won the first match, but GWS has since won 15 of the last 16 encounters.
Recent Form: GWS swept the 2025 series, securing a 7-point win in round 15 and a dominant 35-point victory in round 23.
Notable Matches:
- 2016: GWS won by 8 points after late goals.
- 2021: Gold Coast won by 1 point in a thriller in Ballarat.
- 2024: GWS won by 7 points after trailing by 22 at three-quarter time.
Venues: The rivalry has been played across multiple grounds: Carrara, Sydney Showground, Manuka Oval, Mars Stadium (Ballarat), and Summit Sport and Recreation Park (for Gather Round).
In 2019, Jeremy Cameron kicked 9.5 against Gold Coast to win the Coleman Medal.
The Wooden Spoon Stakes: In 2012, Gold Coast beat GWS; the loser likely would have finished last for the season.
Players from Both Clubs: Anthony Miles, Jack Hombsch, Jacob Townsend, and executives Wayne Campbell and Craig Cameron have represented both sides.
Current Players from the First Meeting: Toby Greene and Stephen Coniglio (GWS); Dion Prestia, Tom Lynch (now at Richmond), Jeremy Cameron (Geelong), Adam Treloar (Western Bulldogs).
Social Media: The winning club posts victory graphics, but no official trophy exists for this rivalry.