Gold Coast v North Melbourne AFL tips & best odds – 23/4/2023

On Sunday afternoon, the North Melbourne Kangaroos travel up to Heritage Bank Stadium on the Gold Coast to face the Suns in what shapes as a great showcase of some of the best up-and-coming talent in the AFL.

The Gold Coast Suns came into the season hoping to improve upon their best-ever season, yet their start so far has been nothing short of disappointing. They sit 1-4, with their only win coming unexpectedly against last year’s premiers, Geelong. It’s the same story all over again this season for the Suns – who, despite a constant intake of young prospects, cannot seem to improve to a point where they make the finals.

Last week was a missed opportunity for the Suns, who blew a 23-point halftime lead to ultimately lose by 10 points to the Dockers. The absence of Jarrod Witts would have been a major factor in the game as the Suns not only missed his leadership but also his ability as they comfortably lost the hit-outs and clearances.

A positive for the Suns this year has been the position change for Jack Lukosius. Pick No.2 in the 2018 draft, the South Australian has struggled to find his right position in the team, being played throughout the backline and on the wing as the Gold Coast try to figure out the best use for his damaging right foot.

But this year the Suns have shifted Lukosius onto the half-forward line and it has paid dividends. His disposal inside 50 is exceptional, regularly hitting a teammate in space, but what sets him apart is his intent to kick for goal from all ranges, highlighted by a 65m bomb against Geelong in round three. Although inaccurate last week, kicking 1.4, the signs are there that Lukosius is on the verge of regularly being able to tear games apart with his goalkicking.

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After starting the year so positively, the Kangaroos have been dealt a reality check in recent times, none more apparent than last week as they went down by 75 points to the Brisbane Lions and their explosive forward line. An inexperienced team, the Roos have now conceded the third-most points in the competition and appear shaky down back. The return of Ben McKay did little to stop the carnage as Brisbane’s key forwards continued the tone set by Carlton the week earlier.

A shining light for North Melbourne continues to be the form of Harry Sheezel. A forward as a junior, Sheezel was shifted back to start round one and it has proven to be a masterstroke. He has the most disposals ever by a player at this many games and he continues to improve, kicking his first goal last weekend. He averages 31.6 disposals a game and should continue to rack up possessions in this one, so expect him to get 30 or more disposals at $1.79 with BetOnline.

Coming back from an ACL injury is tough for many, particularly key-position players, and the return of Ben King has been no different. Averaging 1.4 goals and 6.8 disposals a game, his return has been underwhelming and his impact has yet to be felt on a game so far this season. Sunday provides an opportunity for King to return to his best against a shaky North Melbourne defence. When King is in form, he is unstoppable at times as he uses his size and speed to take marks inside 50. Expect him to return to form with two or more goals against the Roos ($1.49).

Last year when these two teams played each other, the Suns ran out comfortable 67-point winners at Marvel Stadium. While such a wide margin is not expected this weekend, the Gold Coast should take care of business at home with a win that could kick-start their season ($1.26).

Key matchup: Touk Miller v Luke Davies-Uniacke

Touk Miller vs Luke Davies-Uniacke

Given the uncertainty surrounding Jarrod Witts’ availability for the match, the importance of two elite clearance players cannot be overstated in determining the outcome of this game.

Touk Miller has continued on his excellent form this year following a career-best season in 2022 where he was named All-Australian while also coming in third place in the Brownlow Medal. He continues to play a tough brand by not only winning the contested ball but also averaging seven tackles a game. Alongside youngsters Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson, Miller is the leader of this midfield and possesses the rare ability of being able to negate an opponent while also collecting a heap of footy himself.

Luke Davies-Uniacke started the season in extremely good form, presenting himself as a Brownlow chance after wins in the first two rounds. After being a late out in the Kangaroos’ round three game against Hawthorn, his absence was felt on the field as the North midfield was soundly beaten in almost every statistical category. His impact on a game cannot be overstated; as a bigger-bodied midfielder, he is able to shrug off opponents with ease carrying the ball forward or playing a teammate into space. Nearly all his possessions are damaging, and when you are able to rack up disposals at the rate he can, he provides a real danger to any opposition.

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