Heritage Bank Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 1 AFL game between Gold Coast Suns and Adelaide Crows. The game kicks off at 8:10 pm with Gold Coast Suns heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast Suns vs. Adelaide Crows game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday March 16, 2024 at 8:10 pm
Where: Heritage Bank Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Gold Coast Suns vs Adelaide Crows Odds
Gold Coast Suns vs Adelaide Crows Preview
Under the guidance of Damien Hardwick, the Suns appear rejuvenated and full of vigor, evident in their commanding victory in the Opening Round.
Their upcoming opponents, the Crows, are riding a wave of optimism after narrowly missing out on the 2023 Finals Series due to a controversial goal-line technology decision.
However, the Crows’ struggles away from Adelaide were a glaring issue last season, highlighting their inability to secure comfortable wins and making every game a high-stakes affair.
Facing the Gold Coast Suns at their home ground provides the perfect litmus test for the Crows, as the Suns are adept at playing to the conditions and exploiting their opponents’ weaknesses.
The Crows boast an electrifying playing style, characterized by their ability to capitalize on turnovers and swiftly transition into a potent forward line featuring speed, power, and agility.
While the Suns may have coasted through their Opening Round match, their vulnerability in defensive transition poses a challenge, albeit one often mitigated by their opponents’ inefficiency.
With a midfield group boasting superior foot skills, the Suns aim to capitalize on their inside 50 deliveries and exploit their effective leading patterns showcased in the previous round.
While Adelaide is expected to excel in the forward battle, their success hinges on their ability to dominate turnovers, a feat that may prove challenging against a disciplined Gold Coast side.
Overcoming their away game hurdle is crucial for the Crows, especially against a Suns team that has emerged victorious in their last three encounters in the hot and humid Northern States.
In what promises to be a closely contested match, the Suns are poised to secure a hard-fought victory.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Gold Coast Suns to win at $1.64 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Malcolm Rosas at $12.00.
Gold Coast Suns vs Adelaide Crows Teams
SUNS
B: B.Uwland, C.Ballard, S.Collins
HB: C.Budarick, W.Powell, A.Sexton
C: B.Fiorini, T.Miller, B.Ellis
HF: B.Ainsworth, B.Humphrey, T.Berry
F: B.King, J.Lukosius, M.Rosas
FOLL: J.Witts – C, N.Anderson, M.Rowell
I/C: S.Flanders, N.Holman, D.Swallow, L.Casboult, D.Macpherson
EMG: R.Atkins, W.Graham, N.Moyle
No changes
CROWS
B: J.Worrell, J.Butts, B.Smith
HB: W.Milera, J.Borlase, M.Michalanney
C: L.Sholl, J.Dawson – C, C.Jones
HF: B.Keays, I.Rankine, J.Rachele
F: C.Burgess, D.Fogarty, L.Gollant
FOLL: R.O’Brien, R.Laird, S.Berry
I/C: L.Pedlar, M.Crouch, L.Murphy, J.Soligo, M.Hinge
EMG: E.Himmelberg, E.McHenry, M.Keane