Melbourne v Gold Coast AFL tips & best odds | Round 3 preview

Melbourne v Gold Coast best bets

Melbourne Demons v Gold Coast Suns Round 3 preview

The Melbourne Demons will return to the MCG this Sunday to take on the Gold Coast Suns in a Round 3 AFL showdown in which both clubs will be aiming to build early-season momentum.

After a tight loss to the Giants in Round 1, the Demons dropped the ball against North Melbourne last Sunday. With Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver finding form, Melbourne look to make the MCG a fortress once again in 2025.

The Suns, meanwhile, head to Melbourne full of confidence after an 87-point demolition of the Eagles in Round 1. Coach Damien Hardwick has injected belief into the young group, with Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson controlling the midfield and Ben King looking dangerous up forward.

Online bookmakers have installed the Suns as clear favourites, but if the Demons can replicate their Round 1 intensity, they may just give the visitors a scare.

Demons v Suns R3 team news

The Dees are sweating on the fitness of star defender Jake Lever after he rolled his ankle last week, while Matthew Jefferson is set to miss at least a couple of games with a broken hand.

In better news for Melbourne, premiership players Steven May (larynx) and Jake Melksham (hamstring) are both a chance to return.

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The Gold Coast Suns will be without Charlie Ballard for the rest of the AFL 2025 season after the key defender ruptured his ACL in Round 1.

However, Mac Andrew (chest) and Sam Flanders (back) are both available after missing the win over the Eagles due to injury.

Melbourne v Gold Coast predictions

This clash shapes as a genuine litmus test for the Suns, but the Demons’ experience and home-ground advantage should prove telling. Melbourne are good value at the +3.5 line ($1.90) with online bookmakers, especially if their midfield can get on top early.

With the likes of Anderson and Rowell stepping up in the Gold Coast midfield, there is now far less attention on veteran ball-winner Touk Miller. With a high workrate and strong clearance numbers, he’s a great bet to rack up 30 or more disposals at $2.40 with bet365.

One player to watch in attack for the Suns is Ben Long, who looked dangerous around goal in Round 1. With increased forward opportunities, he’s worth a play to kick three or more goals at juicy odds of $5.60 with Neds.

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