Saturday football kicks off on the Gold Coast as the Suns look to bounce back from two straight losses, when they take on Essendon. The Bombers have finally got the monkey off the back, can they upset the Suns to make it two wins in a row? We bring you our full preview and betting tips below!
Gold Coast vs Essendon Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 6
Response needed
The Suns started the season with three straight wins that had them looking like genuine premiership contenders. However fast forward two weeks with losses to Melbourne and Sydney, the Suns have slid to 3-2 and Damien Hardwick will be looking for a big response from his side. The Suns midfield have been smashed over the last two weeks Against the Swans they recorded -67 disposals, -16 contested possessions, -6 inside 50’s and -4 clearances. The week prior they recorded, -22 contested possessions, -14 inside 50’s and -11 clearances. Arguably the most alarming stat was that they lost the tackle count by 45 against the Swans, despite having significantly less possession. Gold Coast needs a massive lift and it starts with their star studded midfield.
Finally on the board
323 days, 17 straight losses, the Bombers have finally broken through for a win, upsetting an in-form Melbourne side in convincing fashion. The 45 point win was built on great performances from their senior players with Darcy Parish, Kyle Langford and Peter Wright leading the way, while Archie Roberts had a day out with 42 disposals and a goal. Across their last six quarters Essendon have finally shown a system that they are trying to implement, playing a high possession kick mark game. The Bombers recorded 139 marks on the weekend, which denied Melbourne the ability to get speed on the game, and allowed Essendon’s defence to get set behind the ball. Expect Essendon to try and implement a similar system against an offensive juggernaut.
Recent Head to Head History
The Suns have had their way against the Bombers across the last two years, winning four straight games against the Bombers. Last year Gold Coast gave the Bombers a couple of baths, with two wins by a combined margin of 136 points. People’s First Stadium hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Essendon, only winning three of their last eight games at the venue.
Suns or Bombers? Here’s our Gold Coast vs Essendon Tip
The Suns will be steaming after their last two games, and you can expect a big response back on their home deck. Gold Coast play in a manner that will stretch Essendon if they can get dominance in centre bounce, given Essendon rank 18th for clearances and 17th for centre clearances. The Suns rank 5th for scores from centre bounce and 7th for scores from stoppage, and with Christian Petracca back in the side, they get another massive weapon in scoring from stoppages. Essendon’s backline was brilliant against Melbourne, but the challenge of facing Ben King, Jed Walter and Ethan Reid with quality ball use is going to be a major challenge. The Suns should get the job done in convincing fashion against a side that has conceded big scores this season.
Gold Coast -41.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Gold Coast vs Essendon Prop Bet
Ben King is having a stellar season, leading the Coleman medal with 21 goals in 5 games, an average of 4 goals per game. King has kicked 7, 4, 3 and 4 goals in his last four games against Essendon, and if the Gold Coast midfield gets on top in the manner they should, King should be in for another big day.
Gold Coast vs Essendon Same Game Multi
Ben King 4+ Goals: As mentioned above, averaging 4 goals per game this season and has 18 goals across his last four games against the Bombers, King will have a big day out.
Matt Rowell 30+ Disposals: Matt Rowell was back to his best in his second game back from injury, recording 31 disposals against the Swans. The Brownlow medalist loves playing against Essendon, recording two 30+ disposal performances in his last three games against the Bombers.
Archie Roberts 25+ Disposals: Archie Roberts is having a breakout season, averaging 30 disposals per game across his five games this season. Roberts' last four games have produced returns of 42, 37, 25 and 26 disposals. The ball has spent a lot of time in Essendon’s backline this season, and it will again on the weekend, giving Roberts plenty of opportunity to win the footy.
SGM Odds: $4.75 with Dabble
Gold Coast vs Essendon Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 18th April
Time: 1:15pm AEST
Location: People’s First Stadium, Gold Coast
Odds: Gold Coast $1.09 vs Essendon $7.50
Line: Gold Coast -41.5
Points: 190.5
Where to Watch Gold Coast vs Essendon
You can watch the Suns vs Bombers live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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