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Melbourne vs Gold Coast Suns Tips - Can the Demons bounce back after shock defeat to North Melbourne?

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 27 Mar 2025

Adam Cusworth 27 Mar 2025

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Melbourne seeks first win after two losses.
Gold Coast Suns have won their last three interstate matches.
Noah Anderson expected to perform strongly in midfield.

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GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Bodhi Uwland of the Suns is tackled by Bayley Fritsch of the Demons during the round 23 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne Demons at People First Stadium, on August 17, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne vs Gold Coast Suns Preview
Head to Head
Melbourne Form Analysis
Melbourne Team News
Melbourne Team List
Gold Coast Suns Form Analysis
Gold Coast Suns Team News
Gold Coast Suns Team List

Melbourne vs Gold Coast Suns Preview

Can Melbourne get their season back on track after a nightmare start?

The Demons dropped their opening match of the season to GWS by three points then were smashed to the tune of 59 points by the unfancied North Melbourne in Round 2.

Despite boasting some big names including Clayton Oliver, who picked up 36 disposals, the Dees were smashed in the middle at the clearances, putting their defence under the pump.

They take on a Gold Coast side that have plenty of options in that part of the ground. The Suns head in fresh after the bye in Round 2 and were impressive winners over West Coast by 87 in their only hitout of the season.

They have now won there last three away games and are beginning to turn around an abysmal record outside of Queensland and Northern Territory.

The can continue that trend, consigning Melbourne to their third straight loss to open 2025.

Gold Coast have won their past three interstate matches
Both sides had the same win-loss record in 2023
Noah Anderson had 33 disposals the last time the two sides met
Scoring has been an issue in recent times for Melbourne

Head to Head

Melbourne have an excellent record over the Gold Coast Suns, having won the past 12 matches between the two sides and 15 of 18 in total.

The two sides have not played each other at the MCG since 2016, which was a two-point win to the Demons.

The most recent encounter came last year at the Gold Coast in Round 23 and it was Melbourne by 54 points. Ed Langdon starred with 37 disposals, while Daniel Turner kicked four goals. Noah Anderson was the Suns best with 33 disposals.

Anderson has averaged 29.5 disposals in his past four matches against Melbourne, while Petracca, Oliver and Touk Miller average 30+ over their past three in these match ups.

Melbourne Form Analysis

Melbourne’s poor start is a continuation of their slide at the end of 2024. They have now lost seven of their past eight. Interestingly, the win happened to be against Gold Coast at the end of last year.

Scoring is a major concern and the Demons rank 15th in that period for goals, just ahead of North Melbourne, Richmond and West Coast. They could only manage nine goals against the Roos last weekend.

Finding the footy has been an issue (13th for disposals) but the form of Oliver this season is a positive. Max Gawn will be out bounce back in the ruck after a rare off day last weekend.

Melbourne Team News

Jake Lever's rolled ankle will be tested before Saturday’s game against Gold Coast, and if he passes, he could be joined by Steven May and Jake Melksham, who have both resumed training this week. Top draftee Harvey Langford is pushing for a recall after a strong performance in the VFL, with 23 disposals, five clearances, and 1.2 from three shots.

Melbourne Team List

B: J.Lever, S.May, C.Salem

HB: T.Rivers, H.Petty, J.Bowey

C: E.Langdon, C.Oliver, X.Lindsay

HF: J.Henderson, A.Johnson, H.Sharp

F: B.Fritsch, J.van Rooyen, T.Sparrow

FOLL: M.Gawn - C, C.Petracca, J.Viney

I/C: J.Billings, J.Melksham, H.Langford, T.McDonald, K.Chandler

EMG: D.Turner, B.Howes, R.Mentha

In: S.May, A.Johnson, J.Billings, J.Melksham, H.Langford

Out: M.Jefferson (Injured), C.Spargo (Injured), T.Woewodin (Omitted), D.Turner (Omitted), B.Howes (Omitted)

Gold Coast Suns Form Analysis

Gold Coast won 11 of 23 in 2024, the same win-loss record as Melbourne. But the Suns were 2-9 in matches outside of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Those two wins were the last two in 2024 and they have now made in three on the trot with victory against the Eagles.

The Suns rank just 16th for disposals in their last 10 matches but like to go long and direct and are 2nd for inside 50s. Noah Anderson and Sam Flanders feature in the top 10 for average disposals, both at 30+ per game from their last 10.

Converting their inside 50’s into goals has been an issue, going at 12 per game but that was boosted by the 20-goal haul against West Coast.

Gold Coast Suns Team News

Mac Andrew is set to return from a chest injury, while Sam Flanders is in the frame for a return after experiencing back issues during the pre-season. Jed Walter comes back from suspension but the Suns lose Charlie Ballard to a season ending knee-injury.

Gold Coast Suns Team List

B: M.Andrew, W.Powell, S.Collins

HB: J.Noble, B.Uwland, D.Rioli

C: L.Weller, M.Rowell, S.Clohesy

HF: W.Graham, J.Walter, T.Miller

F: B.King, S.Flanders, E.Read

FOLL: J.Witts, B.Humphrey, N.Anderson - C

I/C: C.Budarick, N.Holman, B.Long, J.Rogers, J.Jeffrey

EMG: A.Sexton, N.Moyle, C.Graham

In: M.Andrew, J.Walter, S.Flanders

Out: C.Ballard (Injured), B.Ainsworth (Injured), A.Sexton (Omitted)

Verdict

Melbourne v Gold Coast

Take the Suns to win with Noah Anderson to find plenty of the footy

Gold Coast Suns

Head to Head

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