Lachie’s AFL Round 20 Preview: Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions | Betting Preview 

AFL Tips: Gold Coast Suns vs Brisbane Lions @ Metricon Stadium

Date: Saturday, Time: 4:35 pm

As the AFL season charges towards the business end, we have an exciting matchup on our hands this Saturday at Metricon Stadium. The Gold Coast Suns will be taking on the Brisbane Lions in what promises to be a riveting clash between two Queensland rivals.

The Suns find themselves in the 14th position on the ladder, sporting a record of 8-10. For a team with finals aspirations, their performance has been rather disappointing, managing only 2 wins out of their last 5 games. While they had dominant victories against the Hawks and the Saints at home, they faced a different fate when tested against the elite teams in the league. Suffering heavy defeats at the hands of Port Adelaide, Collingwood, and the Giants, the Suns’ true mettle has been questioned.

On the other hand, the Brisbane Lions have been in scintillating form. Currently occupying the 3rd position with an impressive 13-5 record, they have won 4 out of their last 5 games and have left a trail of awe-inspiring performances behind them. Their only recent loss came against the Demons at the MCG, and even that was a commendable effort against a team touted as premiership contenders.

The Lions have truly hit their stride since their surprise loss to the Hawks in round 13. They have showcased their ability to demolish teams, but there’s been a minor chink in their armor – struggling to maintain leads. Their thrilling encounter with the Demons saw them falter in the final quarter, and a similar scenario played out against the reigning premiers, the Cats, last week. However, when they avoid choking leads, they look like maybe the best team in the league, if not the best.

This weekend’s game will be played at Metricon Stadium, a venue where the Suns have a strong record. While the Lions’ away record leaves something to be desired, the proximity of Metricon Stadium to their home ground gives them a level of comfort and familiarity, effectively nullifying the home-ground advantage for the Suns.

Motivation is also a crucial factor coming into this match. The Suns’ season appears to be all but over, with recent coaching changes hinting at a focus on building for the future. The Lions, on the other hand, are aiming to fine-tune their game and build momentum as they head into the finals. A win here could potentially secure them a coveted 2nd spot on the ladder and the luxury of a home final in the first week of September.

When it comes to head-to-head matchups, the Lions have held a firm grip over their little brothers, the Suns. Since 2018, the Suns have failed to register a victory against the Lions, who have evolved into regular finalists. The maturity and unity of the Lions have been the decisive factors in their dominance over the Suns during this period.

Taking all these factors into account, it’s hard to go past the Brisbane Lions in this contest. Their form is scorching, the almost neutral ground negates the home-ground advantage for the Suns, their motivation is sky-high, and their head-to-head record has been overwhelmingly in their favor. With such a compelling case in their favor, I predict the Lions to comfortably win this encounter and cover the -18.5 handicap line.