Gold Coast vs Hawthorn Predictions & Betting Tips: AFL Round 15 2023

Round 14 concludes with a fascinating clash on the Gold Coast as the Suns will be looking to bounce back after a horror performance. Can the Hawks continue their impressive run of form? Or will Gold Coast keep in touch with the top eight?

After back to back wins against top eight opponents, Gold Coast headed to the MCG in Round 14 with expectations. However as fans have become accustomed to, the Suns dished up a miserable performance against a Carlton side that had lost six consecutive games.

Stewart Dew has swung the axe after the 59 point loss, dropping Rory Atkins, Tom Berry and Alex Davies. Lachie Weller, Brandon Ellis, Sam Flanders and Hewago Oea  have been brought back into the side after dominant form in the VFL.

Hawthorn are coming off the bye full of confidence after their upset win over Brisbane in Round 13. The Hawks will be without James Sicily after his three game suspension was upheld, with Sam Frost replacing the skipper. Cameron McKenzie has been elevated to the starting 22 after being the sub against the Lions, while Sam Butler has been managed.

After starting the season 1-9, Hawthorn have won three of their last four games, including wins against top eight sides in Brisbane and St Kilda. Hawthorn’s biggest challenge will be the absence of Sicily, who was the Hawks leading ball winner in both of those wins with 43 and 32 disposals. 

The Suns and Hawks play contrasting styles, with Gold Coast ranking as the third best side in the competition for clearances. With Jarrod Witts giving his midfielders first use, the Suns have been able to dominate through the midfield, however the Hawks particularly over the last month have been outstanding at rebounding the ball from defensive 50.

Not only does Sicily’s absence hurt the Hawks rebounding game, but it’s going to expose the Hawks defensively against the height of King, Lukosious and Casboult. If Hawthorn can’t gain control through the middle of the ground, their inexperienced defence is going to be under a mountain of pressure.

Despite their poor showing last week, the Suns have put together a solid body of work over the last month. The Suns have won two of their last three against Hawthorn, and the conditions at Heritage Bank Stadium will give Stewart Dew’s side a big advantage. 

Seven of the Hawks nine losses season have come by 29 points or more, and it’s going to be a tough ask for Hawthorn on the road coming off the bye.

Gold Coast -23.5

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Noah Anderson 30+ Disposals: Noah Anderson has been the Suns most consistent player in 2023, averaging 27 disposals per game. Hawthorn concede plenty of disposals to opposing midfielders, and Anderson could be in for a big afternoon. Anderson had 37 disposals in his last game at Heritage Bank Stadium.

Will Day 25+ Disposals: Will Day has taken his game to another level in 2023 with more midfield minutes. Day is averaging 26 disposals per game this season, and has reached the 25+ disposal mark in five of his last seven games.

Ben King 2+ Goals: Ben King was held to under two goals for the first time since Round 4, and will be looking to bounce back in what has been an excellent season for King. King has kicked two or more goals in eight of his last nine games, and will get plenty of looks at goal against an inexperienced Hawks defence.