A strong candidate for match of the round, a blockbuster comes to Tassie as the Hawks take on the Suns in Round 7 of the AFL.  

UTAS Stadium Launceston have a match on their hands, it’s 3rd vs 4th on the ladder as both Hawthorn and Gold Coast look to cement a position in the top four.

Separated by just one win in the upper reaches of the ladder, these two contenders will have plenty on the line when they collide.

Dimma’s renewed Gold Coast Suns have faltered at times this season but steadied the ship last week with a confidence building win over Essendon.

The win was extra sweet as they won without influential captain Noah Anderson, who is touch and go for this Saturday afternoon clash.

Hawthorn meanwhile look every bit the real deal in 2026. They’ve just secured their fifth straight victory against Port, with Nick Watson starring with a five-goal haul.

However, that result came at a significant cost, with both James Sicily and Dylan Moore set to serve one-week suspensions for striking.

 In some positive news for the Hawks, veteran forward Jack Gunston is expected to return after missing last week with a corked calf.

This one could genuinely go either way and with Matty Rowell being the in-form player in the comp at the moment, it’s tempting to lean towards the Suns.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Hawthorn Hawks vs Gold Coast Suns Round 7 prediction and preview below.

Hawthorn Hawks vs Gold Coast Suns Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Mainlanders will be disappointed that this game isn’t at the home of footy, but UTAS Stadium provides a genuine test for the Gold Coast. After all, Launceston is a very long way from Burleigh beach.

The Suns will be looking to go to a state where they’ve never won and secure those four points against arguably the former side of the competition.

The Hawks are going nicely enough despite getting real shaky last week against Port Adelaide, though they will sorely miss the leadership of Sicily and the spark of Moore in this one.

For the Suns, it’s three weeks in a row now where they’ve been far from impressive, but were able to win ugly last week, narrowly avoiding disaster against the Bombers.

A win here could be A Star is Born moment for the 2026 Gold Coast Suns.

Head-to-head prediction: Gold Coast Suns by 3 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

The Launceston crowd is in for a treat as the competition’s two most clinical finishers face off.

Ben King currently leads the Coleman race with 24 goals through six rounds and Hawthorn’s Jack Gunston is hot on his heels with 19 majors in 2026.

While both are in elite form, you have to give the edge to Ben King here.

The 202cm giant has been in white hot form, boasting an 83% goal accuracy this season, King has shown he can destroy opponents from range.

Look for Kingy to open the Suns account early, from distance.

Betting tip: Ben King.

Most Disposals Prediction

Matt Rowell was an absolute beast in the trenches last week, racking up 35 disposals and 11 score involvements.

In what we’re expecting to be a tight, physical contest, Rowell’s ability to clean up the scraps will be invaluable.

Rowelly competes on every play and has a motor that just won’t quit.

That’s why he’s leading the Brownlow Medal voting after Round Six, expect another gutsy performance from Matt Rowell this week.

Betting tip: Matt Rowell.

Odds are subject to change. *

Hawthorn Hawks vs Gold Coast Suns Predicted Teams

Hawthorn Hawks Predicted Team List

FB: Josh Weddle, Tom Barrass, Jarman Impey

HB: Josh Battle, Blake Hardwick, Flynn Perez

C: Massimo D’Ambrosio, Conor Nash, Karl Amon

HF: William McCabe, Mitch Lewis, Jack Ginnivan

FF: Jack Gunston, Calsher Dear, Nick Watson

FOLL: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward

I/C: Lloyd Meek, Cam Mackenzie, Connor Macdonald, Sam Butler, Seamus Mitchell

Gold Coast Suns Predicted Team List

FB: Mac Andrew, Sam Collins, Bodhi Uwland

HB: John Noble, Wil Powell, Daniel Rioli

C: Lachie Weller, Christian Petracca, Joel Jeffrey

HF: Ben Long, Bailey Humphrey, Charlie Ballard

FF: Ethan Read, Ben King, Leonardo Lombard

FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Touk Miller, Matt Rowell

I/C: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Jed Walter, Will Graham, Jake Rogers, Zeke Uwland

Hawthorn Hawks vs Gold Coast Suns Match Details

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

First Bounce: 12:30pm AEST

Location: UTAS Stadium, Launceston

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports