The upcoming Round 17 clash between Gold Coast and Richmond will likely shape the finals aspirations of each team, so prepare for an epic encounter at Metricon Stadium!
It’s simply a must-win for the Suns, while Richmond are in a slightly safer position after recapturing some of the form they displayed in previous years.
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Gold Coast vs Richmond Betting Tips
Metricon Stadium, Saturday 9th July, 4.35pm (AEST)
Gold Coast
Injuries: Connor Budarick (out), Alex Davies, Joel Jeffrey, Ben King, Wil Powell, Lachie Weller, Bodhi Uwland
Last weekend Connor Budarick became the latest in a line of Suns who have had their seasons ruined by a knee injury. He will spend 12 months on the sidelines, a cruel blow.
Two narrow losses have left Gold Coast’s season on the brink. At 7-8, the young Suns will need to win nearly all of their remaining games to scrape into the top eight. It was clear to see after last week’s loss that the team was visibly deflated, so can they reignite their campaign against the Tigers? In a positive development, Stuart Dew has re-signed to coach the club into the future, so maybe his show of faith will spark the team. Jack Lukosius has also been included in the 22 this week, after a long injury layoff. He will bring much needed versatility to the side, with the ability to play both forward and back.
Richmond
Injuries: Dustin Martin (out), Kane Lambert (out), Noah Balta, Trent Cotchin, Sydney Stack
Dustin Martin will miss this week after sustaining a hamstring injury, while Lambert is also out. They are two significant absentees, however Dion Prestia comes back in after recovering from concussion.
Richmond are in good form, with their only two recent losses coming by one goal or less. Top four is still on the cards provided the Tigers can go on a winning streak, however even if they don’t manage that a spot in September is very likely. This week will be a serious test of depth, as Dustin Martin has been the matchwinner for such a long period and Josh Gibcus has developed into a reliable key defensive post in his first season. Ben Miller will have to take on plenty of responsibility down back, while a host of young midfielders will attempt to fill Dusty’s shoes. Plenty of key pillars will still take to the park up north on Saturday evening though – Tom Lynch and Jack Reiwoldt are kicking goals while Toby Nankervis and Jayden Short are getting it done in the middle of the ground.
Match Prediction
Pre-teams I was firmly in the Richmond camp.
However, now that’s not the case.
I really like the makeup of Gold Coast’s side this week and I believe the one-two punch of Levi Casboult and Mabior Chol will really challenge Richmond’s sometimes leaky backline.
The Suns will also be confident given that they beat the Tigers last season by 10 points at home.
I see little chance of a blowout either way, but the combination of a home ground advantage, good side on paper and desperate stakes have me leaning to the Suns.
Gold Coast 1-39
$2.45 (3 Units)
Prop Bets
It’s been a tough year for Jack Bowes who has struggled with injury. Since his return, he has been posted as a distributor from the backline, gathering an average of 17 disposals in the last fortnight. That doesn’t bode well for him to hit 20 this week, but the absence of Oleg Markov should give him a boost with extra kick-ins.
Jack Bowes 20+ Disposals ($2.45 at Ladbrokes)
Chol has been a revelation this year as a steady stream of goals, living right up to the potential which everyone saw when he was at Richmond. Here we have a revenge game narrative, an undermanned opposition backline and a man in form. It’s hard not to back him.
Mabior Chol 3+ Goals ($2.25 at Ladbrokes)
