St Kilda v Gold Coast betting tips and prediction
Welcome to our St Kilda v Gold Coast betting tips and winner prediction for their AFL round 24 clash at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
The Saints (1.47) are expected to account for the Suns (2.71) but with this clash now a dead rubber, with both teams out of finals contention, it’s hard to get a read.
Australian betting sites have set the Saints vs Suns line at 12.5 points, and the over/under total points mark is at 180.5.
St Kilda is coming off a 49-point victory over Richmond with veteran Bradley Hill and Max Hall the shining lights for their club.
Hill will a big focus this week with the former Hawks and Dockers star playing his 300th game off AFL football, in what has been a magnifcent career.
The Saints could be boosted by Liam Ryan and Hunter Clark who were managed agains the Tigers, while Liam Henry and Kye Fincher were strong at VFL level.
The Suns last played on Saturday in the Q Clash against Brisbane in a match they were outclassed in, with the season bitterly disappointing for Damien Hardwick’s outfit.
The Suns have also called time on Christian Petracca (foot) and Will Powell’s (shoulder) seasons with the Suns officially out of the wildcard race.
Gold Coast won their encounter earlier this season by 29 points, although much has changed since round 9, with the Suns season plummeting and the Saints showing improvement.
While a lot of class is missing from this game, including Saints ace Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Jack Sinclair, Petracca and Lachie Weller, both teams will keen to head into the off-season with a victory.
St Kilda v Gold Coast betting tips
WGL’s AFL betting expert has assessed the markets and found some value Saints v Suns tips:
Max Hall 30+ possessions
Hall has reached the 30 touches mark in successive matches and is still offering 2.35 to reach it again this week. Hall has been given way more midfield minutes in the absence of Wanganeen-Milera and we can’t imagine tagging will happen in this clash, given it has no ramifications. Take him for 30+ with confidence.
Ben Long 3+ goals
Long has not enjoyed his best season with injuries and suspension knocking him out for a large chunk. He has also been targeted significantly less since the recruitment of Petracca. With the former Demon out of this game, it might be Long’s time to return to form. He’s paying a juicy 5.25 to reach 3+ goals. Fellow key forwards Ben King, who might be playing his last game for the Suns, and Jed Walter are also likely to get plenty of looks on the fast deck at Marvel.
Matt Rowell 30+ possessions
We’re not sure what Rowell’s up to lately, sniffing footballs pre-game, but his form has undoubtedly spiked in recent weeks. Rowell is paying 2.35 to reach 30 possessions which looks to be value again, despite failing us last week for 30. The Brownlow winner will be at the coalface all day and will want to finish the season on a high, despite the disappointment that must be burning within him, give his team’s woes.
St Kilda v Gold Coast prediction
St Kilda look to have the edge in this game despite their injuries, with a few question marks surrounding star Suns players, including King and Daniel Rioli, who are both rumoured to want out. The Suns will be buoyed by young mid-forward Bailey Humphrey signing up long term, but they clearly have work to do to close the gap on top teams. We are loathe to go too hard on a match that could fizzle out given the lack of consequences for either team, but if we’re forced to pick we’ll take the Saints on their home deck.
