Super Saturday in Round 16 of the 2025 AFL season kicks off with an important matchup between the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons. Both clubs are coming off losses and will be keen to right some wrongs with a win at People First Stadium.
Below, we bring you our best bet, player prop, and Same Game Multi for the Suns vs Demons clash, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Gold Coast vs Melbourne Prediction & Tips: 2025 AFL Round 16
Déjà Vu for the Suns?
The first of three massive games on Super Saturday sees the Gold Coast Suns host the Melbourne Demons in a match with significant finals implications, particularly for the home side. For the Suns, it’s a familiar and worrying story. After spending much of the season inside the top eight, they have once again slipped out following a heartbreaking loss to the Giants last weekend. Leading at three-quarter time, the Suns conceded seven final-term goals in a fade-out that has supporters fearing a repeat of previous seasons where strong starts have amounted to nothing. The club is desperate to prove this year is different and that they have the maturity to play finals football. In a major boost for their long-term ambitions, tough-as-nails midfielder Matt Rowell recommitted to the club this week, signing a new two-year contract that secures a vital piece of their engine room.
Demons Make Selection Statement
The Demons, meanwhile, enter this clash in a state of turmoil. After showing some earlier promise, their season has unraveled, with three consecutive losses sending them plummeting down the ladder to 14th. Coming off a much-needed bye, the club’s brain trust has made a statement at the selection table, making three unforced changes in a bid to spark their list. The most notable omission is All-Australian defender Jake Lever, who has been dropped in a stunning move that signals no player is safe from accountability amid their form slump. Their last outing, a non-competitive loss to Port Adelaide in Round 14, was alarming. The bye may have provided a physical and mental reset, but it’s fair to question whether a week off is enough to fix the deeper issues plaguing their ball movement and forward-line connection.
Key Stats That Matter
When these two sides met at the MCG earlier this season, the Suns produced one of their most complete performances in club history, dismantling the Demons by a stunning 58 points. That victory was no fluke; it was built on a brand of football that has become Gold Coast’s trademark, particularly at home. The Suns are one of the league’s best clearance and contested possession teams, ranking third for clearance differential (+5.1) and fourth for contested possession differential (+8.5). This dominance at the coalface, led by Rowell, Noah Anderson, and Touk Miller, allows them to control the tempo. In stark contrast, Melbourne has been bleeding scores from turnovers, ranking 16th for points conceded from turnover over their last three matches. Their inability to move the ball with any dare or precision has made them easy to defend and has starved their forwards of quality looks.
Suns or Demons? Here’s Our Gold Coast vs Melbourne Tip
This match is all about redemption for the Suns and desperation for the Demons. While Melbourne’s selection shake-up might provide a temporary sugar hit, the fundamental advantages lie with Gold Coast. They are playing at their home fortress, People First Stadium, where they have built a formidable record. They possess the psychological edge from their dominant win earlier in the year, and their motivation to reclaim a spot in the top eight will be immense. The Demons look like a team searching for answers, whereas the Suns know exactly what their identity is. Gold Coast has the superior midfield, a more functional forward line, and the hunger to make a statement. Expect them to do just that.
Gold Coast –18.5
$1.90 (2.5 Units)
Gold Coast vs Melbourne Player Prop Bet
Our Best Player Prop: Ben King 3+ Goals
Ben King hit the ground running this year with 23 goals from his first six matches but has gone through a bit of a dry spell since, with 12 goals from his last seven matches. However, he gets a nice matchup here at home against a bottom five side who he has good form against. King kicked four against the Demons in their most recent matchup and the Demons have only gone backwards since then and have also opted to drop Jake Lever which is a bold decision. King should be hitting the scoreboard frequently on Saturday afternoon.
Ben King 3+ Goals
$1.98 (1.5 Units)
Gold Coast vs Melbourne Same Game Multi
Ben King 3+ Goals: After a hot start to the season, King has gone through a bit of a dry spell over the past month or so. However, he gets a nice matchup here against the Demons defence that looks gettable.
Matt Rowell 25+ Disposals: A bit of pressure is off Rowell’s shoulders after inking a new 2-year deal, and he’s coming off 34 touches last outing. He remains strong value for 25+ here.
Sam Clohesy 15+ Disposals: Has been in and out of the lineup a little bit this season but has reached the 15 disposals mark in four of his last five games and is strong value to continue his form.
Gold Coast vs Melbourne Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday, 28th June
Location: People First Stadium, Gold Coast
Weather: 19 degrees, Partly Cloudy
Odds: Gold Coast $1.37 vs Melbourne $3.10
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Where to Watch Gold Coast vs Melbourne?
You can watch the Suns vs Demons live and ad free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our Gold Coast vs Melbourne Tips at Dabble!
