Gold Coast Suns v Richmond Tigers AFL tips & odds | March 9, 2024

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Gold Coast v Richmond match preview

Gold Coast head in as warm favourites with AFL betting sites for their round zero clash with Richmond at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Now coached by Tigers premiership mastermind Damien Hardwick, the Suns enter their new era with a grudge match as he faces his former side. Heading into their 14th season in the AFL, is this finally the year that they can push for finals?

After a disappointing 15th-placed finish in 2023, the Suns will be looking for a much-improved performance and will do so with a largely clean bill of health. The only two unavailable for the Suns this week are draftee Jed Walter (collarbone) and Lachie Weller (knee) who arguably wouldn’t have made the best 22.

While they are playing a largely similar side to their best 22 in 2023, notable changes include a move to half-back for Alex Sexton, Mac Andrew playing as a tall forward, and a full-time midfield move for Sam Flanders. Tom Berry has also worked his way into the side as a pressure forward after just six matches last year.

The Tigers are also working under a new coach this season, with Adam Yze taking over. After missing finals last year and the retirement of several club greats, expectations are mixed for this season, particularly with their already substantial injury list.

Star trio Dustin Martin (calf), Toby Nankervis (foot) and Tom Lynch (foot) are all under an injury cloud after various preseason problems. Jack Graham (quad) and Rhyan Mansell (ankle) have also been ruled out.

This has opened the door for plenty of potential debutants this week as new recruits Sam Naismith and Jacob Koschitzke play their first match in the yellow and black. Rookies Steely Green and Seth Campbell are also in the frame for a debut, while Josh Gibcus is set to return to the side after missing the entirety of the 2023 season.

Gold Coast Suns v Richmond Tigers betting strategy

With an ever-growing injury list, the Tigers face a tough test on the road to open the season. Without Nankervis, Suns captain Jarrod Witts should be a massive factor in this game as the quality Gold Coast midfield looks to get ascendency in the middle. After winning the past three matches against the Tigers, the Suns should be full of confidence heading into this one as -200 favourites with Bovada.

After a career-best season culminated with a best and fairest last year, Suns midfielder Noah Anderson has been tipped to improve again in 2024. Across his short career the 23-year-old has been particularly effective against the Tigers, averaging 28 disposals per match — more than against any other team. Kicking off the season with finals expectations, back Anderson to put together a big day with 30 or more disposals at +150 with AFL bookmakers.

With the players a little rusty and showers forecast around the Gold Coast all weekend, this match could quickly turn into a sloppy affair. Three out of the past four matches between the sides have gone under the total points line, and with injuries throughout the Tigers forward line, a similar result looks likely. With the line set at 167.5, take the under at -111.11 with the top sports betting sites.

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