Round 12 of the 2024 AFL Season continues on Sunday afternoon at People First Stadium as the Gold Coast Suns look to bounce back into the winners list as they take on the in form Essendon Bombers, who are sitting pretty on the ladder in 2nd. This is an exciting opportunity for both teams. The Suns have the chance to announce themselves as a legitimate finals contender while many are still doubting the Bombers credentials. Who will come out on top? Let's find out in our Suns vs Bombers preview below.
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2024 AFL Round 12 Preview & Betting Tips
Gold Coast vs Essendon
Sunday 4:00pm AEST, June 2nd, People First Stadium, Gold Coast
The early markets have the Suns as favourites, and probably fair enough too given they are 4/4 at People First Stadium in 2024. They are #1 for the AFL with just under 58 Inside 50's per game and are #2 in the league for centre clearances, which speaks volumes of their midfield and that they are going to get better with time and experience. They didn't disgrace themselves last week against Carlton in a ripping game, and we saw how impressive the Baggers were when beating up Port Adelaide on Thursday night. This is nearly a must-win game for the Suns when it comes to the playing Finals. They are on 24 points, four points outside the eight as it stands right now, and need to win, especially at home, if they are going to be any chance of playing in September.
Essendon...are the wheels falling off? I thought it was an average win against the Kangaroos, perhaps taking their foot off the pedal, and then last week against Richmond, there were periods of time in that match where it looked as if the Tigers would cause the upset but in the end, Essendon had too much class and were able to win. I reckon they are looking for a break, the bye, and now face one of the hardest road trips in footy. Jones, Bryan, Roberts and Menzie are in for the Bombers so the depth is a touch stronger. But, they need to sort out their goal kicking. They are just about the worst in the comp when it comes to kicking in front of goal.
Match Prediction
If the Suns are going to be any chance of playing Finals, they have to be winning games like this. They had their chances against Carlton last week but were just outclassed late by the Blues midfield. They are turning their home ground into a fortress and back at home after time on the road, I think they can bounce back into the winners list. Essendon have been up a long time...are they just starting to get the wobbles? Like the Suns.
Gold Coast -5.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
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Suns To Win: As stated above, it's a must win game for the Suns IMO and at home, unbeaten in 2024, confident they get the job done.
Matt Rowell 20+ Disposals: He's an absolute bull this guy and I think he will want the ball in his hands after only getting 15 disposals last week in an average performance against Carlton.
Jordan Ridley 20+ Disposals: He was dynamic and a big factor as to why the Bombers beat the Tigers. 31 touches last week, I think he'll be getting plenty of the ball and 20+ touches looks a great bet.
SGM Odds: $4.00 at BoomBet
