<p>Either the people running the fixturing at the AFL have a degree in dark magic and scripting outcomes—or they’ve just gotten incredibly, incredibly lucky.</p> <p>What was supposed to be a routine rescheduled game between Gold Coast and Essendon—just ticking the box from Opening Round—has suddenly become the headline act of the final home-and-away weekend. Originally, it looked like a chance for the Suns to maybe sneak into the top four during their first-ever finals campaign. Now, after a baffling loss to Port Adelaide last Friday night, it’s simple: win, and they're in.</p> <p>You could’ve seen that Port loss coming if you let your mind wander. A fired-up Power side, saying farewell to one of their club greats and their longest-serving coach, riding an emotional wave—it had the ingredients. But still, based on the teams on paper, it was hard to imagine the Suns losing that one. And yet, they did.</p> <p>Now, here we are. Gold Coast not only holds their own fate, but their result could shuffle the deck for two or three other teams too.</p> <p>If the Suns win, they jump into the top eight and boot the Bulldogs (currently 8th) out of the finals. If they win by less than four goals, we get an “Expansion Cup” Elimination Final against GWS in Sydney. If they win big, they’ll leap to 7th, which sends them west to face Fremantle and shifts Hawthorn into a date with the Giants instead.</p> <p>On the other side, Essendon are limping to the finish line—literally and figuratively.<br /> They were out of the contest early against Carlton last Thursday, going down by 34 points. Sure, they gave Blues fans a late scare by cutting it to 20 points in the last quarter, but the result was never really in doubt.</p> <p>Can they pull off something wild here? Can the Bombers deliver the last unexpected twist in an AFL season that’s been relatively light on genuine surprises?</p> <p>They made two late changes before the Carlton game and will be hoping Jayden Laverde and Sam Durham are ready for one last hit-out.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the Suns might get a boost with three key players—Daniel Rioli, Bailey Humphrey, and Will Graham—all pushing to return for what’s arguably the biggest game in club history.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Suns vs Bombers prediction and preview below.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast vs Essendon Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Gold Coast Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Bodhi Uwland, Sam Collins, Wil Powell</p> <p>HB: Daniel Rioli, Mac Andrew, John Noble</p> <p>C: Brayden Fiorini, Matt Rowell, Lachie Weller</p> <p>HF: Connor Budarick, Ethan Read, Ben Ainsworth</p> <p>F: Ben Long, Ben King, Jy Farrar</p> <p>Foll: Jarrod Witts, Touk Miller, Noah Anderson</p> <p>Int: Bailey Humphrey, Joel Jeffrey, Sam Flanders, Alex Sexton, Oscar Adams</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Essendon Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Andy McGrath, Jayden Laverde, Jayden Nguyen</p> <p>HB: Mason Redman, Lachie Blakiston, Archie Roberts</p> <p>C: Jaxon Prior, Zach Merrett, Angus Clarke</p> <p>HF: Matt Guelfi, Peter Wright, Jade Gresham</p> <p>F: Kyle Langford, Liam McMahon, Isaac Kako</p> <p>Foll: Todd Goldstein, Sam Durham, Dylan Sheil</p> <p>Int: Archie Perkins, Xavier Duursma, Luamon Lual, Rhys Unwin, Zak Johnson</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast vs Essendon Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Suns hold sway in the recent head-to-head battles, With wins coming from three of the past five battles with the Dons.&nbsp;</p> <p>Formlines for both teams over the last month would suggest which way this one might be heading, but last Friday’s result was the latest reason why we are yet to fully trust the Gold Coast Suns.&nbsp;</p> <p>The threadbare Dons are already fielding what resembles a VFL side out there. If they can afford too (and it’s a big IF considering their unavailabilites) will they opt to not send some of their senior guys up there?</p> <p>Last Friday would have shattered some of the Suns confidence. Some key pieces returning to the lineup should give the club an extra boost for its most important game ever.</p> <p>If they can get their ball movement going from the back half, it should be enough to put the game away nice and early.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-suns-v-essendon-9504866">Suns</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>While we think the Suns will win, there’s nothing like conceding the first goal to give off an early heart palpitation and flutter for the fans.</p> <p>Peter Wright did that to Carlton fans last week, we’re backing him to do it again this week… and just make the Suns sweat a little.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-suns-v-essendon-9504866">Peter Wright</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>After being restricted to his lowest disposal tally in the past two months, expect Matt Rowell to bounce back with a vengeance.&nbsp;</p> <p>Against a depleted Dons midfield group, We’re backing a massive performance from the number one draft pick who will lead his club to finals for the first time with a big performance.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gold-coast-suns-v-essendon-9504866">Matt Rowell 30 + disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast Suns vs Essendon Bombers Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Wednesday, August 27th, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:20 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> People First Stadium, Gold Coast</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>