Heritage Bank Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 1 AFL game between Gold Coast Suns and Sydney Swans. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with Sydney Swans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast Suns vs. Sydney Swans game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 18, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Where: Heritage Bank Stadium

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Gold Coast Suns vs Sydney Swans Odds

Gold Coast Suns vs Sydney Swans Preview

The 2023 season kicks off with Gold Coast taking on Sydney at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday night. Both teams will be eager to start the new campaign on a high note, but for different reasons. The Suns are hoping to establish themselves as a genuine force in the league, with some pundits predicting they could reach the top eight for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, the Swans will be looking to put last year’s Grand Final thrashing behind them and prove they are still a team to be reckoned with.

These two sides last faced off in Round 8 of the 2022 season, with Gold Coast pulling off a surprise 75-61 victory at the SCG. It was their third win in four matches against Sydney, and they will be hoping to continue their recent dominance over the Swans. David Swallow was instrumental in that match, racking up 24 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances and a goal.

Gold Coast will be buoyed by the acquisition of midfielder Will Brodie from the Gold Coast Suns, who is expected to add some much-needed toughness and experience to their midfield. They will also be hoping that their young guns, such as Ben King and Matt Rowell, can continue to develop and make an impact on the field.

On the other hand, Sydney will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing end to the 2022 season, which saw them suffer a crushing defeat in the Grand Final. They will be without superstar Lance Franklin, who retired at the end of last season, but will be hoping that their young forwards, including Logan McDonald and Errol Gulden, can step up and fill the void left by the veteran.

Overall, this promises to be an intriguing clash between two sides with contrasting aspirations for the new season.