Sunday football kicks off in the nation’s capital as Giants take on the Suns at Manuka Oval. GWS are only one game outside of the wildcard positions, so this game looms as a must win clash! Plenty to consider ahead of this matchup between two up and down teams.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Giants vs Suns below, with odds thanks to UniBet!
GWS vs Gold Coast Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 22
Giants Bounce Back
The Giants ended a two game losing streak with a gritty 12 point win on the road against Port Adelaide, adding another chapter to their up and down season. Remarkably the Giants are still alive in the race for tenth place, sitting one game behind tenth placed Carlton. If GWS can somehow win their final three games of the season against the Suns, Eagles and Crows, they could end up in the wildcard weekend. The Giants will be looking to their groundball game to keep their season alive, which has been the best in the league this season. GWS rank 1st in the AFL for groundball gets, 1st for post clearance groundball gets, 1st for defensive 50 groundball gets, 2nd for forward 50 groundball gets, 3rd for post clearance contested possessions and 4th for contested possessions.
10 In A Row for the Suns
It continues to get worse for the Suns, who suffered their tenth consecutive loss in a 9 point loss to Melbourne last week. It was a typical performance from Gold Coast who showed flashes of quality when they got out to a 17 point lead in the third quarter, however their inability to defend reared its head once again. The Suns conceded over 100 points for the eighth time in their last ten games. Gold Coast’s inability to apply pressure has been a major issue over the last fortnight, conceding 105 and 133 marks, and applying only 57 and 34 tackles. They are a side that clearly looks like they have nothing to play for, and their best players certainly aren’t playing up to the standard expected of them.
Recent Head to Head History
The Giants have dominated the expansion cup, holding a 16-6 overall advantage against Gold Coast. GWS have won 6 of their last 7 games against the Suns, and have won both of their games against Gold Coast at Manuka Oval. It’s a comprehensive résumé for the Giants against their expansion rivals.
Giants or Suns? Here’s Our GWS vs Gold Coast Tip
These sides have been two of the most difficult teams to get a read on in 2026. Both clubs were expected to feature in the finals after being there last year, both clubs have shown flashes of brilliance this year but ultimately sit in the bottom seven because of their inability to be consistent. Ultimately the Giants should win this game given the strength of their groundball and transition game, as well as how poor the Suns have been defensively in the last three months. However the Suns have to end their winning streak at some point and the Giants have a big sample size of losing to bad teams this season.
Because of these factors, we’ll be looking at the total points market, which has an incredibly low line at 146.5. The total points in the Suns last seven games has been, 219, 207, 145, 177, 202, 109, 210 - an average of 181 points, a long way over 146.5. Over that same timespan, the average total points for GWS games has been 169. There is forecasted to be some rain on Sunday in Canberra, however given how bad the Gold Coast’s defence has been, paired with the strength of GWS’ transition and ground ball game, both teams should be able to combine for at least 147 total points.
Total Points Over 146.5 Points
$1.88 (1 Unit)
GWS vs Gold Coast Prop Bet
The Giants veteran has hit a purple patch over the last fortnight playing up forward, kicking 3 goals in each of his last two games. Conigilio has had an extended run of goal kicking form, hitting the scoreboard in five of his last six games and provides excellent value in the 2+ goals market.
Stephen Coniglio 2+ Goals
$3.20
GWS vs Gold Coast Same Game Multi
Stephen Coniglio 2+ Goals: As highlighted above, 3+ goals in his last two games as well as hitting the scoreboard in 5 of his last 6.
Matt Rowell 25+ Disposals: Matt Rowell has been one of the only Suns who can hold his head high in recent times, with five consecutive games above 25 disposals. Rowell has recorded 30 and 28 disposals in his last two games and conditions will favour his play style in the wet.
Callum Brown Anytime Goalscorer: Brown has been a reliable outlet inside forward 50 for the Giants over the last six weeks, kicking at least one goal in six consecutive games. Brown has 10 goals across his last six games and will be confident against a struggling Gold Coast defence.
GWS vs Gold Coast Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Sunday 9th August
Time: 1:10pm AEST
Location: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Odds: GWS $1.38 vs Gold Coast $3.10
Line: GWS -16.5
Points: 146.5
Where to Watch GWS vs Gold Coast
You can watch the Giants vs Suns live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at UniBet!
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