The Suns impressed with a dominant win over Richmond in Opening Round but should face a sterner test from the improving Crows.
Best Bet
The Suns kicked off their season brilliantly last week and should be too good for a Crows outfit missing Taylor Walker.
While Adelaide did have the best offence of any team in 2023, the veteran forward was clearly their leading goal-scorer, booting 76 majors – 40 ahead of Izak Rankine in second.
The likes of Darcy Fogarty are yet to prove they can replace Tex’s output, which could be an issue against a Suns team who were mostly superb defensively last week against Richmond, save for a lapse in the third quarter. In the first, second and final stanzas, the Suns conceded just one goal.
The Suns’ forwards looked ominous too, with Ben King and Jack Lukosius combining for eight goals. Adelaide remain very inexperienced in defence and were the fourth worst defence on the road in 2023, giving up 97 points per game.
We’re yet to see what impact the extra game has against teams who did not play in Opening Round, but suspect it will only advantage those who played last week blow out the cobwebs.
This had been a tough match-up for the Suns, failing to win any of their first 11 matches against the Crows, but they since won three of the last five and may be finally ready to put a stamp on the competition under Damien Hardwick.
Same Game Multi
The over also looks an excellent bet, hitting in seven of the eight between these teams on the Gold Coast.
Matt Rowell exploded onto the scene in 2020 before trailing off through three interrupted seasons, but the former number one pick looks set to explode after 33 touches and 20 clearances – the second most on record – last week.
Wil Powell also looks ready to breakout across half-back as the Suns’ primary distributor. He had 28 last week and took the most kick-ins for the Suns.
Jack Lukosius will benefit from facing one of the inexperienced pair of Josh Worrell or James Borlase, and should be good for 2+, which he has scored in three straight when the Suns are home favourites.
Value Bet
Love backing Lukosius as he is one of the most accurate set shots in footy, kicking 39.22 last year. He booted three last week and has kicked three 5+ bags in 2023, including one against the Crows.
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