Who would have thought, the Saints are 3-0 and will be hunting a fourth straight win when they face off against the Suns from Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash below and remember to head to our AFL Tips page for regular updates throughout the season.
AFL Round 4 Preview & Betting Tips
St Kilda vs Gold Coast
Marvel Stadium, Saturday 8th April, 7.30pm
The Saints are absolutely flying at the moment, having downed the Bombers in their 150 year celebration at the MCG on Saturday night. They moved to 3-0 on the season and sit on top of the ladder with a healthy 150% mark. It’s been a next man up mentality at the Saints, who were already without up to 10 of their best 22 before they lost Jack Steele in the win over the Bulldogs in Round 2.
To add salt to the wound, wingman Mason Wood, who has been arguably their best player over the opening three rounds, went down with a shoulder injury in the win over the Bombers. Wood is still a chance to play on Saturday night, but will need to prove fitness in the lead up to the clash.
The catalyst for the Saints success has to be put down to their defensive structure. They have the 2nd rated defence in the league through three weeks, and have allowed the fewest points of any team in the competition.
The Suns recorded their first win of the season as they downed the reigning premier Geelong Cats at home on Sunday afternoon. In what was a tight battle for the first three quarters, the Suns kicked away in the final term on the back of a standout performance from Jack Lukosius, who booted five goals in the win.
The Suns were poor in Round 1 against the Swans but have looked much better over the last two rounds, led by their star midfield trio of Matt Rowell, Touk Miller and Noah Anderson as well as their skipper and ruckman Jarrod Witts, who is currently the 14th highest rated player in the AFL.
The injury list looks pretty good at the Suns leading into Round 4. Jed Anderson and Sam Flanders are both 4-6 weeks away while Connor Budarick and Brandon Ellis are both nearing a return.
Hard to bet against the Saints at the moment. They have proven that they can get the job done with any contingent of players in the mix because their defensive structure is so strong. I think it only gets better with the return to Marvel as well. At times throughout the Essendon game, they looked a little fatigued as they tried to defend the larger MCG. They should feel much more at home under the roof. Back them to cover the 15.5 point line at home.
St Kilda -15.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
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Brad Crouch 25+ Disposals - The star midfielder for the Saints has been forced into taking a much bigger role since the injury to skipper Jack Steele. His centre bounce appearances rose with Steele out of the line-up against Essendon, resulting in 32 touches.
Ryan Byrnes 20+ Disposals - Byrnes arguably had his breakout game in Round 1 in the win over the Dockers, but he really cemented his place as the first choice Saints wingman with a near best on ground performance against the Bombers. He racked up 23 touches and was all over the field, back him to be in the mix plenty again on Saturday.
Dan Butler 1+ Goal - Butler went goalless in the first two games of the season but broke out in a big way against Essendon, booting four goals in a near best on ground performance. The small forward is decent value to kick 1+ on the weekend.
Same Game Multi Odds - $3.60
