The 2025 AFL home and away season will draw to a close on Wednesday night as Gold Coast host Essendon from 7.20pm. The Suns’ September hopes are hanging by a thread, while the Bombers have nothing left to lose. Could Essendon produce one of the great final-round boilovers and derail the Suns’ year, or will Gold Coast steady to secure their long-awaited finals berth?
Below, we bring you our best bet, player prop, and Same Game Multi for Gold Coast vs Essendon, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Gold Coast vs Essendon Prediction & Tips: 2025 AFL Round 24
Suns’ Season on the Brink
The Suns had the chance to book their ticket to finals last weekend but were edged out by Port Adelaide in an emotional farewell game for Ken Hinkley and Travis Boak. The four-point defeat, their second in a row, saw them tumble to ninth spot. The equation now is simple: win, and they’re in. Margin could also matter, a victory of around 20 points or more could push them as high as seventh, forcing the Western Bulldogs out of the eight. Their last clash with Essendon back in Round 16 was a comfortable 41-point triumph, highlighted by Joel Jeffrey’s breakout 32-disposal game. Stuart Dew’s men will be hoping for something similar under the bright lights on Wednesday.
Bombers Out to Spoil the Party
Essendon’s finals dream faded long ago, but if there’s one thing left to play for, it’s the chance to crash the finals dreams of Gold Coast. The Bombers enter on a 13-game losing streak, their season completely derailed by injuries and inconsistency, yet there have been some glimmers of light. Defender Mason Redman has been prolific across the last fortnight, averaging 35 disposals per game, while skipper Zach Merrett continues to fly the flag, gutting out nearly every contest despite carrying knocks. Win or lose, the Bombers would love nothing more than to leave the Suns squirming and toast Mad Thursday with a grin.
Injury Room Tells the Story
It’s no surprise Essendon’s campaign has fallen apart when you look at the team sheets, as many as 13 of their best 22 are sidelined. Jye Caldwell is the only name who could possibly return, but with nothing riding on the result, it seems unlikely he’ll be risked. Gold Coast’s situation is a little more intriguing. A trio of important names, Will Graham, Daniel Rioli, and Bailey Humphrey, are pushing to prove their fitness either this week or in week one of finals. Their availability could add some welcome headaches for the Suns’ match committee as they weigh form against reputation.
Suns or Bombers? Here’s our Gold Coast vs Essendon Tip
The bookmakers have set one of the heftiest lines of the year at 50.5 points, reflecting the Bombers’ ragged finish. They’ve dropped 13 straight, and the prospect of making it 14 feels inevitable. The question is whether Essendon can keep it respectable. Gold Coast clearly have more to play for, but the incentive to conserve energy, and perhaps even avoid finishing seventh and facing Fremantle away, is real. The Suns should bank the win, but don’t be surprised if they ease off late. At the line, the safer play might just be the Bombers to cover.
Bombers +50.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Gold Coast vs Essendon Player Prop Bet
Our Best Player Prop: Liam McMahon
In a Bombers side that has been seriously lacking talent in every line, Liam McMahon has been a solid option up forward, booting 11 goals in his six games since debuting in Round 19. He has kicked 7 in the last three games.
Liam McMahon 2+ Goals
$2.35
Gold Coast vs Essendon Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 AFL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match using Dabble.
Matt Rowell 25+ Disposals - Had just 21 in the loss to the Power on the weekend but that game snapped a six game streak of having 25 or more. Think he bounces back here with the Suns season on the line.
Mason Redman 25+ Disposals - Has been racking them up across HB and in spurts through the midfield for the Bombers in the back half of the season. 24, 26 and 34 across his last three games. Has taken 90% or more of the Dons kick outs over the last two weeks and played on on each occasion.
John Noble 20+ Disposals - Took 8/11 Suns kickouts last week and played on on each occasion. Has had 20+ in 10 of his last 11 games and racked up 29 against the Bombers back in Round 17.
Same Game Multi Odds: $2.41 at Dabble
Gold Coast vs Essendon Betting Odds & Match Info
Location: People First Stadium
Date: Wednesday 27th August
Time: 7.20pm
Odds: Gold Coast ($1.05) vs Essendon ($10.50)
Line: Gold Coast -50.5
Total: 170.5
Where To Watch Gold Coast vs Essendon?
You can watch Gold Coast vs Essendon live on Kayo Sports!
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