Essendon Bombers vs Gold Coast Suns Tips - Bombers battle for redemption Against Suns at Marvel Stadium
- Essendon aims to counter Palmers-led Suns despite recent struggles.
- Gold Coast seeks consistent performances, overcame Melbourne last match.
- Key players: Ben King for Suns, Zach Merrett for Bombers.
Essendon Bombers vs Gold Coast Suns Preview
- Essendon Bombers vs Gold Coast Suns Preview
- Head to Head
- Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
- Essendon Bombers Team News
- Gold Coast Suns Form Analysis
- Gold Coast Suns Team News
Essendon can push the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium in AFL Round 17 action on Saturday.
The Bombers have won just six of 14 this season as injuries have taken their toll but welcome back some key position players, while they can match the Suns in the midfield. They had the bye last weekend and went down to Fremantle prior to the break by 41.
Gold Coast snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating Melbourne by 19. That came on the back of a dominant first quarter when they set up the win. The Suns have won nine of their 14 matches and sit in 8th position on the ladder. But their form in Melbourne has been questionable in recent times, losing to lowly Richmond at Marvel Stadium this season.
Expect the Bombers to put up a fight and win the disposal contest. But a lack of scoring options up forward may mean a win is just out of their reach.
Take them with the start. Ben King looms large for the Suns, while Zach Merrett looks solid for the 30+ disposals for the Bombers.
- Gold Coast have travelled to Marvel Stadium twice this season for a win over St Kilda and a loss to Richmond.
- The Suns have defeated Essendon just once at the venue in their 15 year history.
- Zach Merrett has had 30+ disposals in his last six matches against the Gold Coast
- Ben King has kicked seven goals for Gold Coast in the past two matches between the two sides
Head to Head
Gold Coast defeated Essendon by a point the last time the two sides met, courtesy of a Mac Andrew goal after the siren. That was in Round 22 last season at Marvel Stadium.
The Suns have won the past two between the two sides. Essendon have won six of seven at the venue since the Suns entered the competition in 2011.
Ben King has kicked seven goals for Gold Coast in the past two matches between the two sides. Zach Merrett has had 30+ disposals for Essendon in the past two.
Essendon Bombers Form Analysis
Essendon have lost their past four matches. They have been by an average margin of over 40 points. Scoring has been an issue for the Bombers, who have averaged just 63 points per game in their past six matches.
The unheralded pair of Archie May and Luamon Lual kicked two goals each against Fremantle. The former Gold Coast player, Peter Wright, has kicked 2+ goals in four of his past five.
Essendon rank 17th for inside 50s in the past five rounds, despite leading the competition for disposals. Nic Martin, Darcy Parish, Zac Merrett and Jye Caldwell are all averaging 25+ disposals in the past five rounds.
Essendon Bombers Team News
Essendon are set to regain Jordan Ridley and Zach Reid from injury but just as Mason Redman and Kyle Langford were set to return, that duo have sustained injuries at training, while Darcy Parish is another that had a setback. Sam Durham will return from suspension.
Gold Coast Suns Form Analysis
Gold Coast’s win over Melbourne snapped a three-game losing streak that saw them drop matches against Fremantle, Geelong and GWS. The Suns past 10 matches have been decided by 39.5 points or less. They have travelled to Marvel Stadium on two occasions this season for a win over St Kilda and a loss to Richmond.
The Suns rank 3rd for clearances over the past five rounds and prefer not to over-use the ball, ranking 15th for disposals but top for inside 50s and 4th for goals scored. Ben King booted three goals last weekend and has kicked 2+ in five of his past seven.
Noah Anderson had 27 disposals against Melbourne and is averaging 33 over the past five rounds. Touk Miller and Matt Rowell are going at 25+ in their past five matches.
Gold Coast Suns Team News
No injuries to come out of the Melbourne game for the Gold Coast. They are unlikely to make too many changes to the lineup. David Swallow, Alex Davies and Ned Moyle are among a stack of players with solid VFL form that are trying to sneak into the side but may have to wait at least another week.
Verdict
Essendon to stick with the Suns. Merrett influential. King could be the difference up forward for the Suns.
Essendon +23.5
Handicap +23.5
@9/10 - 1 Unit
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Zach Merrett
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