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Richmond Tigers vs Gold Coast Suns Tips - Hot Suns to flex muscle at the MCG against Tigers

adam-cusworth
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Last updated: Mon 16 Mar 2026 22:45
The Richmond Tigers are set to face the formidable Gold Coast Suns in a highly anticipated AFL Round 2 clash. While the Suns come in strong with a powerful offense, spearheaded by Noah Anderson and Ben King, the Tigers aim to translate their competitive gameplay into a significant victory. Despite Richmond’s sharp territorial play, they must address finishing issues to match the Suns, who have started the season with convincing victories. The clash promises to bring a fierce contest as both teams fight to establish dominance early in the season.
Adam Cusworth 16 Mar 2026
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  • Gold Coast Suns aim for a 3-0 start; strong offensive showing expected.
  • Richmond Tigers look to convert improved play into wins; need sharper finish.
  • Key players Anderson & Long crucial for Suns; Tigers bolstered by returns.
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Richmond vs Gold Coast People First
Noah Anderson is set to continue his good form against Richmond (Getty Images)

Richmond Tigers vs Gold Coast Suns Preview


Gold Coast will flex their class and depth with a dominant win over Richmond in AFL Round 2. 

The early premiership favourites are chasing a 3-0 start and head on the road for the first time this season for the MCG clash, while Richmond are attempting to convert improved competitiveness into genuine results after a 2025 campaign that saw them in rebound mode.

The young Tigers di plenty right in their Round 1 clash with Carlton, generating 60 inside 50s to 47, but inaccurate finishing proved costly with Tom Lynch kicking 2.7. Tim Taranto and Jayden Short found plenty of the ball and if they can generate similar territory again, while converting their chances they can stay competitive.

Gold Coast, however, arrive with one of the most potent attacks in the competition. Noah Anderson continues to drive the midfield while their boom recruit, Christian Petracca, has attracted a maximum of 20 coaches votes in his two matches. 

Ben King has opened the season strongly in front of goal with nine majors and Ben Long has provided important support. The Suns’ midfield depth and cleaner ball movement should create enough scoring opportunities to control the contest, Take them to cover the line with Anderson and Long looking good for player props.

  • Gold Coast have won their past three home-and-away matches by an average margin of 70 points
  • The Suns restricted Richmond to just two goals the last time the sides met
  • Noah Anderson has had 30+ disposals in his past three matches against Richmond
  • Ben Long has kicked eight goals in his past three matches against the Tigers

Head to Head


Gold Coast restricted Richmond to just two goals in the Round 21 clash late last season on their way to winning by 84 points but the Tigers were shock winners in Round 6 by 11 points at Marvel Stadium.

Noah Anderson has averaged 31 disposals from his past four matches against Richmond, while Ben Long has booted eight from his past three.

Richmond Tigers Form Analysis


There were positive signs for Richmond despite the Round 1 loss to Carlton. The Tigers generated strong territory with 60 inside 50s and actually had more scoring shots than the Blues, highlighting their ability to move the ball into attacking areas.

Tim Taranto and Jayden Short were the key ball winners with 29 disposals each, while Tom Lynch remained the focal point up forward despite an inaccurate 2.7 return. Richmond’s ability to win territory and create repeat entries was encouraging.

However the Tigers still struggled around stoppages and contested possessions, which was a major weakness throughout 2025. Taranto and Jacob Hopper will again shoulder much of the midfield load but Richmond still lacks the depth to consistently match elite on-ball units.

Richmond Tigers Team News


There are positive signs around selection depth. Nick Vlastuin is available and will strengthen Richmond’s defensive structure, while Dion Prestia returns to play his former side. He will add midfield depth to the lineup. 

Gold Coast Suns Form Analysis


Gold Coast have begun the season in outstanding fashion with two convincing victories and an attacking profile that already looks among the competition’s best.

The Suns kicked 20 goals in their win over West Coast with Noah Anderson collecting 34 disposals and Ben King booting five majors. Their midfield dominance created constant forward supply while their defensive pressure ensured the Eagles struggled to move the ball cleanly.

The attacking spread is what makes Gold Coast so dangerous. King remains the key spearhead but Ben Long, Bailey Humphrey and the midfield rotations have all contributed to the scoreboard. If Anderson, Rowell and Witts control the stoppages again the Suns will generate repeat inside-50 opportunities.

Gold Coast Suns Team News


Gold Coast emerged from their Round 1 win without any major injury concerns which should allow them to take an unchanged side into this clash.

The 2025 Brownlow winner, Matt Rowell, remains sidelined with a finger injury and the Suns have stated he will return after the bye. Jed Walter is available again after suspension which may give Damien Hardwick additional selection flexibility in the forward line.

Verdict

Gold Coast to cover the line with Anderson finding plenty of footy and Ben Long value for multiple goals
Best Bet1: Gold Coast Suns Handicap +34.5 @9/10 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Ben Long To Score 2+ goals @11/10 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Noah Anderson To Have 30+ disposals @2/5 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Gold Coast Suns
Handicap +34.5
@9/10 - 1 Unit
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Noah Anderson
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