Saturday’s three game AFL slate kicks off at the home of football as the ladder leading Gold Coast Suns travel to face the Richmond Tigers. Can the Tigers cause a major upset at home and get their first win of the season? Or will the Suns red hot start to the season continue?
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Tigers vs Suns below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Richmond vs Gold Coast Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 2
A Missed Opportunity
Richmond missed a golden opportunity to pick up a win in Round 1, going down to Carlton by 4 points. The Tigers dominated the second half, however inaccurate kicking at goal cost them dearly, kicking 9.17. Tom Lynch was the main offender, kicking 2.7 which ultimately cost his side a win. Despite the defeat there were some positives for the young Tigers, Sam Grlj was excellent on debut, while Sam Lalor showed some absolute brilliance with 16 disposals and 2 goals. The wins will come eventually, but Adam Yze would be thrilled with the efforts of his young brigade.
The Suns Are Hot
The Suns have started 2026 on fire, with a 56 point win over Geelong in Opening Round followed up by a 59 point win over West Coast last week. Led by Christian Petracca’s 23 disposals and 4 goals, the Suns sit on top of the ladder with a percentage of 181.6%. Ben King (5 goals) and Noah Anderson (34 disposals) were also brilliant, with Gold Coast sending a statement over the opening fortnight of the season. The Suns rank 1st for points per game, 1st for inside 50’s, 2nd for contested possessions, 2nd for fewest points conceded and 3rd for disposals.
Recent Head to Head History
It’s been one way traffic in this matchup since 2021, with Gold Coast winning six of their last seven games against Richmond, including an 84 point smashing the last time they met, with the Suns holding Richmond to two goals. The Tigers did upset the Suns in Round 6 last season, so expect Gold Coast to not be complacent coming into this matchup.
Tigers or Suns? Here’s our Richmond vs Gold Coast Tip
It’s a rare opportunity for Gold Coast to play on the MCG, which they will need to become accustomed to in their pursuit for their first premiership. The reality of this game is the two sides are at very different points of their journeys, with Gold Coast right in the window to compete for a premiership with a list choc full of talent. While Richmond are at the start of their rebuild, looking to get games into their youngsters they’ve drafted over the past two seasons.
As we’ve seen so far this season, the new rules that have brought more speed and openness to the game have further increased the gap between the strongest and weakest sides in the league. This means Richmond are in for a long afternoon against a Suns side that can generate non stop speed on the ball for four quarters. Gold Coast have scored an average of 78 points from turnover across their opening two games, the best in the league by a long way, and that is a scary proposition for the Tigers to handle. The Suns transition and stoppage game will be far too strong for Richmond, and they will comfortably cover the -33.5 line.
Gold Coast -33.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Richmond vs Gold Coast Prop Bet
Leo Lombard has had a great start to 2026 and is thriving as the Suns main small forward. Lombard is finding plenty of the footy and is getting plenty of looks at goal, kicking 2.2 in each of his two games in 2026. With the ball set to live in the Suns forward half on Saturday, Lombard should be set to have another game with plenty of looks at goal.
Leo Lombard 2+ Goals
$2.65
Richmond vs Gold Coast Same Game Multi
Leo Lombard 2+ Goals: As mentioned above, Lombard is 2/2 for 2+ goals this season, and has had 8 shots on goal across the first two rounds. With the Suns likely to dominate this game, he should get plenty of opportunities inside forward 50.
Noah Anderson 25+ Disposals: Anderson was at his best against the Eagles last week, racking up a game high 34 disposals. Anderson reached the 25+ disposal mark in 20 out of 25 games last season, including games of 38 and 32 disposals against Richmond.
John Noble 25+ Disposals: Noble has had a hot start to 2026, with 28 and 25 disposal performances across the opening two games of the season. With Will Powell getting more midfield opportunities, it’s opening up more possessions for Noble across half back, who averaged a career best 25 disposals per game last season.
SGM Odds: $5.50 at Dabble
Richmond vs Gold Coast Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 21st March
Time: 1:15pm AEDT
Location: MCG, Melbourne
Odds: Richmond $5.25 vs Gold Coast $1.15
Line: Gold Coast -33.5
Points: 189.5
Where to Watch Richmond vs Gold Coast
You can watch the Tigers vs Suns clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at Dabble!
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