For the second year in a row, the Gold Coast Suns have the honour of hosting the opening game of Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round in Darwin. This time, Welcoming Hawthorn back to their Top-End fortress for the occasion.
The Suns extended their dominant unbeaten run at TIO Stadium to seven wins in a row last week, holding off an impressive Western Bulldogs outfit that came roaring back, kicking four goals in the final 10 minutes to get back within a goal with just under three minutes to go.
A heroic play from young gun Will Graham, who contested the ball under significant duress and pain, helped pass the ball to John Noble, who found Ben King inside 50 to put the icing on the cake after the full-time siren.
The Hawks eventually shook off the Dees at the MCG, kicking six goals to one in the final quarter to secure a strong win. Most promisingly, it appeared that their game had clicked back into gear. This means, ladies and gentlemen, ‘Hokball’ is back and coming to a ground near you!
Will its first stop be this week in Darwin? After a five-day break? They’ll certainly give it a crack!
One Hawk who won't make the trip up north is running defender Jarman Impey, who will remain in Melbourne due to the impending arrival of his first child. Given the short turnaround, veteran forwards Jack Gunston and Luke Breust are also considered good chances to be rested this week, along with ruckman Lloyd Meek.
In response to the Darwin heat and last week's injury toll, the Suns have called in reinforcements. Last week's hero Graham has returned to the Gold Coast for a shoulder assessment.
The Suns may opt to rest ruckman Jarrod Witts for the second Darwin game, just as they did last year, giving exciting developing ruckman Ned Moyle his first game of the year.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Suns vs Hawks prediction and preview below.
Gold Coast vs Hawthorn Predicted Teams
Gold Coast Predicted Team List
B: Bodhi Uwland, Sam Collins, Wil Powell
HB: John Noble, Mac Andrew, Daniel Rioli
C: Sam Flanders, Matt Rowell, Brayden Fiorini
HF: Ben Long, Ethan Read, Touk Miller
F: David Swallow, Ben King, Malcolm Rosas
Foll: Ned Moyle, Bailey Humphrey, Noah Anderson
Int: Ben Ainsworth, Sam Clohesy, Joel Jeffrey, Sean Lemmens, Lloyd Johnston
Hawthorn Predicted Team List
B: Changkuoth Jiath, Tom Barass, James Sicily
HB: Josh Weddle, Josh Battle, Jack Scrimshaw
C: Karl Amon, Josh Ward, Massimko D’Ambrosio
HF: Cam Mackenzie, Mabior Chol, Dylan Moore
F: Connor Macdonald, Calsher Dear, Nick Watson
Foll: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel
Int: Bailey Macdonald, Max Ramsden, Jack Ginnivan, Finn Maginnes, Seamus Mitchell
Gold Coast vs Hawthorn Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
The Suns have enjoyed a strong recent record against the Hawks, winning four of the past five matches. Included in this stretch of games - a 67-point thumping of the Hawks at TIO Stadium. Which should fill the Suns with supreme confidence.
Thursday night is the start of a big month of footy for the Hawks. Sitting comfortably in the top eight with a 7-2 record, only one of those wins has come against a team currently in the top eight (GWS Giants).
With a run of games, starting on Thursday night, coming up against the Suns, Lions, Collingwood, The Bulldogs, and then the Crows before the bye, we’re going to learn just how good these Hawks are.
Both these teams look to move the ball quickly by foot, and if the recent numbers and trends of the last few games are anything to go by, expect this to be a high-scoring and free-flowing game between two teams that we think will be there at the pointy end.
It’s hard to look past the Suns and their record in the NT.
Betting tip: Gold Coast Suns
First Goal Prediction
Suns spearhead Ben King needs three goals to move into outright first position for most goals kicked up in Darwin. He’ll have his hands full with likely Tom Barass as a direct matchup, but if they can find him early, He’ll be looking for an early one.
Betting tip: Ben King
Most Disposals Prediction
Suns veteran Touk Miller celebrates his 200th game milestone this week and is in some sensational form to go with it.
He’s averaging 27.6 disposals from his past five matches, And now with so many other weapons in the Suns' midfield to worry about, Touk could get off the chain on his milestone night.
Betting Tip: Touk Miller 30+ disposals
Gold Coast Suns vs Hawthorn Hawks Match Details
Date: Thursday, May 15th
First Bounce: 7:30 PM, AEST
Location: TIO Stadium, Darwin
How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports