Gold Coast Suns vs Melbourne Demons Prediction - Round 16 2025

Super Saturday kicks off on the Gold Coast, where the Suns host Melbourne. 

All of a sudden, the Suns’ season has taken a downturn. Three consecutive losses, the most recent last week against the Giants after they led nearly all day and were overrun in the final quarter, have seen them drop out of the top eight for the first time this season. 

They had a golden opportunity to dispel any post-bye jitters that the Suns have become known for in recent years, yet frustratingly, they couldn’t close out the match on the road.

We’re not overly worried about them yet, and they have a perfect chance to get back on the winners' list as they host the Demons on Saturday afternoon. 

The Dees are coming off a bye, and while they may have known their fate for a while—another year without finals—they still have nine weeks ahead to plan and prepare for next year and beyond. 

What works in their favour is having a nearly full-strength team to choose from, which should give them flexibility. Should they look to play younger players and give more games to the emerging talent? Koltyn Tholstrup and Harry Sharp might find themselves back in the senior team this week. 

It depends on how Simon Goodwin plans to approach the second half of the season, especially considering that a poor finish could cost him his job.

Meanwhile, for the Suns, Damien Hardwick might consider making some changes after the third straight defeat. Young forwards Jed Walter and Ethan Read may be the most vulnerable, having limited impact against the Giants. Veteran David Swallow and young star Leo Lombard performed well in the VFL, and both could return to the senior squad. 

Jake Rogers shouldn’t be too far off, as he’ll be tested after missing a couple of weeks with an ankle injury. 

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Suns vs Dees prediction and preview below. 

 

Gold Coast vs Melbourne Predicted Teams

 

Gold Coast Predicted Team List

B: Bodhi Uwland, Sam Collins, Wil Powell

HB: John Noble, Mac Andrew, Daniel Rioli

C: Sam Clohesy, Matt Rowell, Lachie Weller

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Bailey Humphrey, Sam Flanders

F: Ben Long, Ben King, Brayden Fiorini

Foll: Jarrod Witts, Touk Miller, Noah Anderson

Int: Nick Holman, Ethan Read, Connor Budarick, Joel Jeffrey, Ethan Read

 

Melbourne Predicted Team List

B: Jake Bowey, Steven May, Christian Salem

HB: Judd McVee, Jake Lever, Daniel Turner

C: Ed Langdon, Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon

HF: Kade Chandler, Bayley Fritsch, Harvey Langford

F: Jake Melksham, Jacob van Rooyen, Kysaiah Pickett

Foll: Max Gawn, Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver

Int: Koltyn Tholstrup, Trent Rivers, Blake Howes, Tom Sparrow, Xavier Lindsay

 

Gold Coast vs Melbourne Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Despite losing the last clash earlier this season at the MCG, the Demons have dominated the Gold Coast Suns, winning 12 of the past 13 head-to-head battles.

The Dees have only lost once up on the Gold Coast, all the way back in 2013.. So the travel factor is a non-issue for the Demons. 

The Suns have slipped back in the field with their overall profile. They remain one of the highest-scoring teams and one of the best ball movement teams in the competition. But it’s the midfield that has dropped right off in recent weeks, ranking 17th for post clearance contested possession disposal differential.  Meaning their contested possession win rate from contests not at stoppages is well down from where it has been.

The Dees have improved to be the third-best territory team in the competition over the past five weeks, and will put the strong Suns backline of Collins, Andrew, Uwland, and co to the test. What magic can Kozzie Pickett weave this week?

We’re not prepared to jump off the Suns just yet, so we’re going to back them in at home. 

Betting tip: Suns

 

First Goal Prediction

He’s been a bit wayward in front of goals over the past few games, but Ben Long’s season is one of significant note as to why the Suns have improved as much as they have.

He’ll probably get an interesting matchup on Saturday in the form of Daniel Turner, which could be a battle of the dancing, disco feet. 

We’re backing Long to put his kicking woes to bed, though, starting with the first goal of the game.

Betting tip: Ben Long

 

Most Disposals Prediction

The Suns' on-ball brigade might have dropped off ever so slightly, but they’re still on fire this season.

Now that it’s been reported that Matt Rowell has re-committed to the club and doesn’t have to worry about his contract anymore, we’re tipping him to explode this week and stuff the stats sheet.

Incoming big game and three votes here for M Rowell!

Betting Tip: Matt Rowell 30+ disposals

 

Gold Coast Suns vs Melbourne Demons Match Details

 

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025

First Bounce: 1:20 PM AEST

Location: People First Stadium, Gold Coast

How to watch: Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports