The Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne Demons will both be hunting a 2-0 record when they face off from Metricon Stadium on Saturday night in Round 2. Andy Rosos has his full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember, BYB will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to head to our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Gold Coast vs Melbourne Betting Tips
Metricon Stadium, Saturday 26th March, 8.00pm (AEDT)
Gold Coast
Injuries Jack Bowes, Charlie Constable, Ben King, Bodhi Uwland (Out)
Apart from the glaring absence of Ben King, the Suns are actually pretty healthy at the moment. Jack Bowes has slowly been increasing his workload while Charlie Constable is only a few weeks away.
The Suns had a comfortable start to the season last week, playing an undermanned West Coast side at Optus Stadium. They trailed for the majority of the game but a dominant last quarter which saw them kick eight goals to two saw them run away 27 point winners.
After a highly interupted first few seasons in the league, star midfielder Matt Rowell looked back to his best in the win, picking up a game high 33 touches while Touk Miller and Brayden Fiorini also continued their good form from last season.
Without King in the side, it was Levi Casboult and Mabior Chol who stepped up as the main targets up forward, while small forwards Izak Rankine and Ben Ainsworth chipped in six goals between them.
Melbourne
Injuries: Harrison Petty, Christian Salem, Daniel Turner, Jake Lever, Michael Hibberd (Out)
The Demons were awaiting tests on a few key premiership players including Jake Lever and Michael Hibberd. It looks as though neither will get up for the Saturday night clash, but should be right to go for Round 3.
The Dees looked shaky at times throughout the season opener against the Dogs but ultimately, a strong 2nd half which saw them kick eight goals to three saw them run away 26 point winners in the Grand Final replay.
Christian Petracca replicated his Grand Final performance with another dominant display, picking up 38 disposals and kicking two goals in a best on ground performance. Ben Brown and Bailey Fritsch did the work up forward, combining for five goals.
We are just one game into the 2022 season and already the Dees look like the team to beat again. They should only get stronger in the coming weeks as well, with Salem, Petty, Lever and Hibberd all likely to come back in.
Match Prediction
I expected this line to open somewhere in the high teens after the Suns beated up on an undermanned Eagles side last week. The bookies didn't fall for that performance though, and the Dees have opened as 22.5 point favourites. With the Demons on the road and with a few key players out, it's a touch high for my liking.
I think the Suns will be a much improved side this season. They have recruited well and should be more relevant in more games against the best sides in the competition. I think the Dees win this one, but I expect the Suns to keep it close at home.
Demons 1-39
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
The Dees put up a mammoth 128 points in their win over the Suns in Round 20 last season. In fact, each of Melbourne's last six games have hit the over, and at just 155.5, this one seems a bit low.
Over 155.5 Total Points ($1.88 at Ladbrokes)
Christian Petracca started the season just as he finished the last. He dominated against the Bulldogs in Round 1, making it five straight games where he has racked up 30+ disposals. He also had 32 touches and a goal in his last game against the Suns.
Petracca 30+ Disposals ($1.88 at Sportsbet)
Ben Brown booted three goals in a strong start to the 2022 season last week, but more importantly, he racked up six scoring shots. With Sam Weideman unable to crack into the side and Tom McDonald playing further up the field, Brown is the focal point of the forward line. Also kicked 4.1 against the Suns last year, his most productive outing of the season.
Brown 3+ Goals ($2.40 at Ladbrokes)
