AFL Round 1: West Coast v Gold Coast AFL tips & preview | 16/3/25

Eagles v Suns best bets

West Coast v Gold Coast Round 1 preview – AFL 2025

West Coast will kick off their 2025 AFL Premiership season with a home clash against the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium this Sunday.

Top online bookmakers have the Suns as favourites at $1.55, while the Eagles are priced at $2.40, with a 10.5-point line set for the contest.

The Suns will look to their midfield brigade, led by Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell, to gain the upper hand in the engine room. Meanwhile, West Coast will rely on Oscar Allen and Tim Kelly to steer them to a strong start in front of their home crowd.

With both teams eager to make a statement in Round 1, expect a highly competitive contest in Perth.

West Coast vs Gold Coast team news

The Eagles have also strengthened their lineup with the acquisitions of premiership players Liam Baker and Jack Graham from Richmond, aiming to enhance their defensive and midfield depth.

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On the other hand, the Gold Coast Suns are dealing with injury concerns, notably veteran David Swallow, who is sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to return in approximately eight weeks.

West Coast vs Gold Coast prediction

Ben King looms as the primary goal threat for the Suns, and his strong form inside 50 makes him excellent value at $2.15 to kick three or more goals with BetOnline.

Gold Coast’s recent performances as well as the new players for West Coast, we can see the Eagles put up more of a fight this season, making the Suns win by 1-39 points at $2.25 with BetOnline a solid bet.

Midfield bull Matt Rowell is primed to rack up plenty of touches, with his elite contested work making 30+ disposals at $3.50 with BetOnline a strong option.

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