Essendon and Gold Coast are two sides brimming with confidence after producing epic victories last weekend, so it seems only fitting that they clash this weekend at Etihad Stadium.
This Round 18 encounter will determine whether Gold Coast can fight for a top eight spot, while for Essendon it is about creating hope for a better 2023.
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Essendon vs Gold Coast Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 17th July, 4.40pm (AEST)
Essendon
Injuries: Kaine Baldwin, Nik Cox, Tom Cutler, Aaron Francis, Darcy Parish, Archie Perkins, Devon Smith, Tex Wanganeen
Darcy Parish is having ongoing issues with a calf injury, which will see him miss at least another couple of weeks. As a result, Essendon’s midfield depth will continue to be tested.
Wins against St Kilda, Sydney and Brisbane were examples of the Essendon we saw in 2021, which has been missing for most of this campaign. The young Bombers have seemingly recaptured their spark, although it will be a case of too little too late for fans. Essendon really should be playing for a spot in the top eight at this point of the season, alas it is not to be. However, with the right tweaks I can see a reversal of fortunes next season. Peter Wright has been a fantastic target down forward all season, while Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell have given Essendon’s midfield a depth that has been missing. Down back, there is plenty of talent and run, a valuable asset in the modern game.
Gold Coast
Injuries: Malcolm Rosas (out), Connor Budarick, Alex Davies, Joel Jeffrey, Ben King, Wil Powell, Bodhi Uwland, Lachie Weller
The Suns still have plenty of key players missing, most of whom do their best work in the back half of the field. Small forward Rosas will miss this clash with a hamstring injury.
Finally, after consecutive weeks of heartbreak, Gold Coast scored a deserved win in a thriller against the Tigers at Metricon Stadium. A clutch set shot from star midfielder Noah Anderson has kept their season alive for another week, but the Suns simply must keep winning to remain in the equation. It’s always a tough task for a young team to travel interstate and win, but the Bombers are a softer target than most so Gold Coast must surely be confident. It helps that Jack Lukosius is back in the side, and that mercurial forward Izak Rankine returns for this game.
Match Prediction
This is a fascinating fixture, which I am finding tough to predict.
Essendon have not lost to Gold Coast in their last six meetings; however Gold Coast have the better season behind them.
Marvel Stadium means a home ground advantage for the Bombers, which could be a deciding factor, however the indoor arena has not held too much fear for the Suns in recent times.
This one really could go either way, so I will tip a close one under the roof.
Either Team by Under 24.5 Points
$1.78 (3 Units)
Prop Bets
Merrett has stood up in the absence of Darcy Parish recently, accumulating 31 touches in last week’s win against Brisbane. His main competition in Group A is Touk Miller, however I have a sneaking suspicion that Essendon may send a tagger to the Gold Coast star, similar to how they shut down Lachie Neale last weekend.
Zach Merrett Most Disposals Group A ($2.65 at Ladbrokes)
An often-unnoticed role player, Guelfi has quietly worked his way to 10 goals this season with six of those coming in his last four matches. Essendon should get plenty of looks at goal on Sunday so these odds are too good to pass up.
Matt Guelfi Anytime Goalscorer ($1.80 at Ladbrokes)
