3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of games in the 2024 AFL Season.
We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
GOLD COAST v RICHMOND
Saturday 9 March @ Heritage Bank Stadium
It is not hard to work out the narrative here. The football world is expecting the new Hardwick era up north to be fruitful and who should they be pitted against first time – but his former team?
What will Damien Hardwick bring to a club that has been perennially underwhelming and a drain on the AFL resources?
Well firstly he brings the chutzpah that comes with three flags and the confidence that whatever is said should be taken as gospel.
This is still a young group, made even younger with the draft hand afforded them by the AFL. They had the advantage of the Academy and quite rightly took every bit of that.
So while the likes of Walter, Read, Rogers and Graham all came in the first 26 picks of the Draft, you can't expect them to be still firing on all cylinders comes August.
In three years' time look out though. However can Richmond handle what is tossed their way given the old coach knows everything about them and what the new coach will change?
Adem Yze gets to succeed Hardwick on the full-time basis. But will the Tiger style or fast pace, handball and knock on still be in play or more a kicking faceted approach?
The legacy he follows is hard to comprehend and it's often better being the coach after the coach who succeeds the champion.
But assuming he brings a new playbook, that will be long forgotten if he starts 3-1.
The weather on the Gold Coast will be important as it can be quite sticky still coming out of the Summer. Plus there is rain forecast if you can believe that.
However the home side may not have to worry about that so much. They train in it but also have a lovely record against the Tigers.
Now no Dustin Martin for the opener after a corked calf on top of Nankervis missing as well. That doesn't bode well.
The last three have been big wins – two away from home. Tipping it to happen again for the Suns.
Match Selection: Gold Coast by 15 points
Suggested Bets: Gold Coast 1-39 @ $2.05
