The Suns begin the Damien Hardwick era with a game against the three time premiership winning coach’s former side, Richmond.
Best Bet
Gold Coast boast a good record against Richmond and should be able to kick off the Damien Hardwick era with a win.
The Suns have won their last three straight against the Tigers, including a 24 point road win at Docklands in Round 7 last year.
Clearly, this is a new era for both teams with Adem Yze also now in charge of Richmond, but it’s hard to look at the respective teams and not come away with the conclusion that Gold Coast is a much more talented side.
Legendary Tigers Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt are now retired, while there is a fitness cloud over Dustin Martin. Toby Nankervis, Jack Graham and Tom Lynch will miss with injury.
The Tigers lack explosiveness in attack and unless Shai Bolton goes nuts – expect Hardwick to have a plan for him – it’s hard to see them kicking a winning score.
Richmond’s strength is their midfield brigade led by Tim Taranto with Jacob Hopper and Dion Prestia, but this is an area of the ground the Suns can match, if not exceed them in – Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Sam Flanders and Touk Miller are excellent at winning contested ball.
Jack Lokosius was outstanding in the Suns practice match and if he finally lives up to his talent, then he, along with Ben King, should be too much for the Tigers defence to handle.
Same Game Multi
Wil Powell finished last season in hot form and had most of the kick in duties in the pre-season.
For the Tigers, Thomson Dow attended more centre bounces than any non-ruck player in their preseason game against Carlton and should be looking at an uptick in midfield time, as will Liam Baker.
Value Bet
Dow lacked opportunities under Hardwick but came on nicely towards the end of 2024 once he departed. Expect him to see plenty of midfield time under the new regime.
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