One of two night matches on Saturday in AFL Round 9 heads north to Darwin for a clash between the Suns and the Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Both clubs are currently at the point end of the ladder and can flex their muscle with a big scalp. Who wins? We bring you our thoughts and tips below!
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Gold Coast vs Western Bulldogs
Location: TIO Stadium – Darwin
Date: Saturday, 10th May
Time: 7:35pm (AEST)
Odds: Gold Coast $1.90 vs Western Bulldogs $1.90
Line: Even
Points: 180.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs face off in the third game on Saturday at TIO Stadium up in Darwin, and there’s a bit on the line for both clubs. The Suns have cooled off after a red-hot 4-0 start, dropping two of their last three—including a pretty flat showing last weekend in the QClash, where they only managed 49 points in a 17-point loss to the Lions. That one really exposed their scoring issues when their ball movement gets disrupted, especially up forward where they just couldn’t get any decent looks.
They’ve rung the changes for this one, with four fresh faces coming into the side, including Ben Long, who returns after a week off. He adds a bit of bite and pressure inside 50, which they’ve been missing. But with the Suns looking a bit shaky lately and coming off a bruising loss, it’s a tough ask to reset and fire up again in the Darwin heat. Playing up north suits their style to some extent, but they’ll need a huge lift from their midfield to match the Dogs' physicality.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are rolling. After a sluggish start to the year, they’ve now won three on the trot—and it hasn’t been close. They belted the Saints, took care of the Giants, and then absolutely tore Port Adelaide apart in Ballarat with a 90-point thumping. That win had everything: pressure, polish, and scoring power. Even without Sam Darcy, their forward line keeps delivering, thanks in part to the return of Marcus Bontempelli, who’s made a huge difference to their structure and intensity around the ball.
There is one forced change for the Dogs this week, with Adam Treloar unfortunately out again with that nagging calf issue. But the Dogs have proven over the last few weeks that they’ve got serious depth and can cover for missing pieces without skipping a beat. They also have the wood over the Suns, having beaten them by 48 points in their only clash last season. Even though Gold Coast are sitting higher on the ladder, the momentum is clearly with the Bulldogs—and right now, they just look more cohesive and dangerous across the park. It’s hard to tip against them here. Dogs to win.
Western Bulldogs to Win
$1.94 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
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Marcus Bontempelli 2+ Goals – Hasn’t missed a beat in his return to the field and has been hitting the scoreboard as well. Still expecting him to spend a decent chunk of time forward as he works back to full fitness.
Ben Long 2+ Goals – Surprisingly the highest rated forward in the competition this season and was badly missed last weekend. There’s no reason why his elite form can’t continue here.
Ed Richards 25+ Disposals – Treloar goes back out with injury, so there will be big midfield minutes again this weekend for Richards. He’s having a stellar year and will rack them up again.
SGM Odds: $5.25 at BoomBet
