<p>The Suns are almost there.</p> <p>After dismantling Richmond at home last Saturday, they’ve now got one foot in September—for what would be the first finals appearance in club history. With four games to go, the question isn’t if they’ll make it anymore—it’s how high they can finish.</p> <p>Currently sitting sixth on the ladder with 13 wins and a strong percentage, the Suns are in prime position to host a final—and if things go their way, maybe even sneak into the top four for a coveted double chance. But they know the job’s not done yet. With the Hawks, Giants, and Dogs hot on their heels, there’s no room for slip-ups now.</p> <p>Which makes this weekend’s trip to Melbourne—Damien Hardwick’s old stomping ground—for a clash with Carlton all the more interesting.</p> <p>The Blues, on the other hand, are limping to the finish line. The countdown is well and truly on to August 15, when Graham Wright officially takes over and the off-field overhaul begins. It’s been a bleak year for the Blues, though to be fair, they did show some signs of life early against the Dockers last week—kicking the first four goals and holding a handy lead at halftime. But as has been the theme in 2025, they found a way to collapse in the second half and let another one slip away.</p> <p>To make matters worse, young key defender Harry O’Farrell went down with an ACL injury during the game—meaning both of their top draft picks from last year have now done knees. Because, well… that’s just how it’s gone for Carlton this year.</p> <p>So the question becomes: can they rally and throw one last speed bump in front of the surging Suns? Or will Gold Coast keep flexing their muscles and march closer to a top-four finish?</p> <p>At selection, the Blues are dealing with the usual chaos in the rehab room. O’Farrell’s ACL rules him out for the rest of this season and likely most of next. Mitch McGovern is a chance to return from a hamstring injury, and Adam Cerra, who missed the Dockers clash with knee soreness, will need to get through a fitness test to be available. Alex Cincotta is also in line to return and could be handed a tagging job on either Noah Anderson or Matt Rowell.</p> <p>As for the Suns, they got through last week unscathed. The only possible change would be a rest for their tireless skipper and ruckman, Jarrod Witts. If that happens, expect Ned Moyle to get the call-up—but they’re unlikely to make that move unless Witts is feeling really banged up.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our full Blues vs Suns preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Gold Coast Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Carlton Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nick Haynes, Jacob Weitering, Matt Carroll</p> <p>HB: Lachie Cowan, Mitch McGovern, Billy Wilson</p> <p>C: Ollie Hollands, Patrick Cripps, Lucas Camporeale</p> <p>HF: Lachie Fogarty, Ashton Moir, Flynn Young</p> <p>F: Jesse Motlop, Harry McKay, Zac Williams</p> <p>Foll: Marc Pittonet, George Hewett, Cooper Lord</p> <p>Int: Adam Cerra, Tom De Koning, Francis Evans, Alex Cincotta, Lewis Young</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Gold Coast Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Bodhi Uwland, Sam Collins, Wil Powell</p> <p>HB: John Noble, Mac Andrew, Joel Jeffrey</p> <p>C: Lachie Weller, Matt Rowell, Brayden Fiorini</p> <p>HF: Touk Miller, Jy Farrar, Bailey Humphrey</p> <p>F: Ben Long, Ben King, Ethan Read&nbsp;</p> <p>Foll: Jarrod Witts, Alex Davies, Noah Anderson</p> <p>Int: Ben Ainsworth, Connor Budarick, Oscar Adams, Nick Holman, Lachie Weller</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Gold Coast Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Blues have had the edge in recent meetings with the Suns, winning three of the past five clashes. But Gold Coast always backs itself when drawn against Carlton—after all, the Blues (alongside Richmond) are one of only two clubs the expansion side has historically had the most success against.</p> <p>Carlton’s scoring woes have been a major concern all season. They’ve managed 10 or more goals in a game just 10 times, and have only cracked the 100-point mark twice—and that was way back against West Coast and North Melbourne early in the year.</p> <p>In contrast, the Suns have been one of the competition’s highest-scoring teams. Their fast ball movement out of defence sets the tone, and their forward line is stacked with dangerous options.</p> <p>The Blues will likely put plenty of attention into Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell, but the Suns simply have too many weapons—and with so much on the line, it’s hard to see them letting this one slip.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-gold-coast-suns-9456239">Suns</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>While the Suns might have had an idea for a while what their best team looks like, When nice surprises spring, they’re worth thinking twice about.</p> <p>That’s no doubt been the case with the inclusion of Jy Farrar in recent weeks. He’s kicked five goals in two weeks since coming into the senior team and provided another spark up forward. We’re backing him to kick the first one here and continue his good form.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-gold-coast-suns-9456239">Jy Farrar</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>In a poor season for the Blues, George Hewett has put together a consistent season which should see him be the runaway winner of the Blues best-and-fairest come the end of the season.</p> <p>Averaging 27.7 disposals a game, Hewett was on world record pace last week recording 25 possessions in the first half before he was quietened down a bit. We’re tipping him to go big again and top the charts in what will be his 200th game at AFL level.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-gold-coast-suns-9456239">George Hewett 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton Blues vs Gold Coast Suns Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, August 9, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>7:35 pm, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>