Essendon vs Gold Coast Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season | Round 17
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
This Saturday clash at Marvel Stadium is laden with finals implications for both clubs. The Gold Coast Suns arrive having arrested a three-game losing streak and face an Essendon side whose campaign is teetering on the brink.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / US – Watch AFL
The prediction
Essendon (13th) had a bye in Round 16, a break that was desperately needed after a horror month of footy. They are currently mired in a four-game losing streak. The most recent match was a dispiriting 41-point loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium in Round 15 (63-104).
Against the Dockers, Jye Caldwell was a clear standout in a well-beaten side. He fought hard in the midfield to collect a team-high 32 disposals, showing a willingness to take the game on.
Gold Coast Suns (8th) got their season back on track with a crucial 19-point victory over Melbourne at home in Round 16 (104-85). The win was vital as it snapped a three-game losing streak and saw them climb back into a finals position. Their form over the last five matches is now WLLLW.
Matt Rowell was instrumental in the victory, delivering a best-on-ground performance. Rowell was a force of nature at the contest, finishing with 24 disposals, a game-high 12 clearances, and 10 tackles.
The Gold Coast Suns have had the better of the recent encounters, winning the last two matches against Essendon in the 2024 season. This includes a thrilling 1-point victory after the siren at Marvel Stadium in Round 22. Despite this, Essendon still holds a commanding overall lead in their head-to-head history, 11 wins to 4.
The memory of last year's heartbreaking one-point loss to the Suns at this venue will undoubtedly provide powerful motivation for the Bombers. While the Suns' win over Melbourne was important, their ability to perform on the road remains questionable.
Essendon vs Gold Coast tip: Gold Coast to win
