The four game Saturday slate in Round 8 of the AFL kicks off with the Sydney Swans taking on the Gold Coast Suns from the SCG at 1.45pm. Andy Rosos is back on deck with his full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember, BYB will be bringing you betting tips for every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to head to our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Sydney vs Gold Coast Betting Tips
SCG, Saturday 7th May, 1.45pm (AEST)
Sydney
Ins: Logan McDonald, Paddy McCartin
Outs: Harry Cunningham, James Bell, Sam Reid
Paddy McCartin will come straight back into the side after missing a week through concussion while younsgter Logan McDonald also makes his return.
The Swans have had been pretty solid without completely setting the world on fire in 2022 so far. They have beaten the teams they were expected to beat, but have dropped games to the Dogs and Lions to currently sit 5-2 on the season and in 5th place on the ladder.
One thing in their favour is that they have manages that strong record on the back of a really touch schedule. Through 7 rounds, they have already faced top eight contenders in the likes of the Cats, Dogs, Giants and Lions and they now have a relatively cruisey run until their Round 12 meeting with the Demons. I think there is a strong chance they are 9-3 at the very worst heading into that clash.
Gold Coast
Ins: Rory Thompson, Wil Powell
Outs: Alex Davies, Darcy Macpherson, Jeremy Sharp
Wil Powell will make his way back into the side after one week on the sidelines with a hamstring niggle while feel good story Rory Thompson finally gets another chance at AFL level after two knee reconstructions and 1379 days since his last game.
At the opposite end of the ladder to the Swans, the Suns have a 2-5 record, having beaten only the Eagles and Blues this season so far. They were competitive against the Magpies on the weekend, going down by just 25 points, but they still lack a key threat in the forward line without star Ben King in the line-up.
It's a tough road ahead for the Suns, with games against strong sides in the Swans, Dockers and Western Bulldogs across the next three weeks.
Match Prediction
The Swans should win this one comfortably, but can they cover a hefty 32.5 point line? I'm steering clear of that line and looking towards the overs instead. Througout the last decade, Sydney has played quite a defensive style when playing at the SCG, but that has changed over the last few seasons.
In games at the SCG this season, an average of 166.6 points have been scored and when the Lions and Swans met there just a few weeks ago, they put up a combined 202 points. Back the Swans to score 100+ here against a Gold Coast team that has allowed 91.5 points per game this season and 123.5 over the last two weeks.
Sydney Over 100.5 Points
$1.87 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Jake Lloyd has had a bit of a quiet start to the season by his lofty standards. After averaging 27.9 touches per game last season, he is down to just 25.0 touches this year, but I like the odds of him to rack up 25+ on Saturday. Played against the Suns twice last season and had 35 and 36 touches respectively.
Jake Lloyd 25+ Disposals ($1.72 at PlayUp)
I expect the Swans to fill their boots on Saturday. I have already backed them to score 100+ points, so there should be plenty of multiple goal kickers. The one player who I really see some value in is Will Hayward to kick 2+. He has kicked 11 goals so far this season and 2+ in three of seven games.
Will Hayward 2+ Goals ($2.55 at Ladbrokes)
