The AFL Round 4 is upon us and we have a monster Easter Sunday clash on our hands as the Melbourne Demons host the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG.

After a shaky start to the year, the Dees look to have finally found their goal-kicking boots, but they’ll need every bit of that firepower against a Gold Coast side that is currently the benchmark of the competition.

Melbourne will look to hand Dimma’s Suns their first loss of 2026 when they meet at the G on Easter Sunday.

Steven King’s new attacking style was on full display last week as the Demons orchestrated a stunning heist, storming back from a 43-point deficit to embarrass Carlton 100-77.

Kysaiah Pickett was absolutely electric, finishing the match with 33 disposals and a goal to his name.

Meanwhile, the Suns are fresh off a bye and will be well-rested after their last outing, which was a 128-60 destruction of Richmond, also at the MCG.

Ben King was the star of the show that day, slotting a casual seven goals from just eight kicks in a performance that probably still has the Tigers' defenders waking up in a cold sweat.

While the Suns have dominated this matchup recently, winning both encounters last year, the MCG on Easter Sunday is a different beast entirely.

Can the Suns keep their unbeaten streak going in 2026? Or will the Dees step up and make a statement in front of their home fans?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Melbourne Demons vs Gold Coast Suns Round 4 prediction and preview below.

Melbourne Demons vs Gold Coast Suns Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The casual clothes to work look won’t be having a second showing based on how the Dees began last week.

Thankfully, the entire world knows no lead is big enough for the Blues entering the second half, and Melbourne went berserk, kicking 10 more goals than their opponent to run away by 23 points.

It was an atrocious start, but a huge win for a team that can finally score 100+ weekly.

This will be a sterner test, and there will be no overcoming six-goal deficits here, unless the Dees decide to turn over and give it up.

Unfortunately, we’ll not get to see Christian Petracca against his old crew because a hamstring injury has sidelined the superstar.

We would’ve loved to see the niggle there, but with everyone’s favourite cookbook author Petracca out comes a good opportunity for the Dees to exploit the Gold Coast’s midfield.

For Gold Coast, it’s a rare chance to come to the MCG and take the home side to the cleaners.

While the Dees have improved, the Suns’ midfield depth and the sheer scoring power of Ben King make them incredibly difficult to tip against.

Expect the Suns to maintain their status as competition heavyweights and pull away late.

Betting tip: Gold Coast Suns by 33 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Ben King is in career-best form and clearly loves the wide-open spaces of the MCG. Coming off a seven-goal haul in his last start at this ground, he is the focal point of a Suns forward-line that moves the ball with devastating speed.

The Suns attack has been humming so far this season, with them leading the competition for points scored, King is the main beneficiary of their success.

He’s constantly getting good ball in space, and we don’t expect this Sunday to be any different early in this match.

Betting tip: Ben King.

Most Disposals Prediction

Noah Anderson leads from the front for the Gold Coast and is Dimma’s eyes and ears on the field.

With Christian Petracca out of the lineup, even more of the creative burden will fall on Anderson’s shoulders this Sunday.

He’s a prolific ball-winner who thrives on the fast deck at the MCG, we’re expecting him to comfortably clear 30+ disposals as he dictates play from the centre square.

Betting tip: Noah Anderson.

Odds are subject to change.* 

Melbourne Demons vs Gold Coast Suns Predicted Teams

Melbourne Demons Predicted Team List

FB: Rory Lobb, Buku Khamis, Lachie Jaques

HB: Bailey Dale, James O’Donnell, Connor Budarick

C: Bailey Williams, Marcus Bontempelli (c), Ryle Sanders

HF: Joel Freijah, Sam Darcy, Rhylee West

FF: Jordan Croft, Aaron Naughton, Oskar Baker

Foll: Tim English, Matthew Kennedy, Ed Richards

I/C: Michael Sellwood, Lachlan Bramble, Sam Davidson, Caleb Poulter, Cooper Hynes

Gold Coast Suns Predicted Team List

FB: Jaxon Prior, Ben McKay, Andrew McGrath

HB: Archie Roberts, Zach Reid, Archie Perkins

C: Xavier Duursma, Jye Caldwell, Matt Guelfi

HF: Sam Durham, Archer May, Archer Day-Wicks

FF: Isaac Kako, Peter Wright, Kyle Langford

Foll: Lachlan Blakiston, Zak Johnson, Zach Merrett

I/C: Jade Gresham, Jacob Farrow, Darcy Parish, Saad El-Hawli, Alastair Lord

Melbourne Demons vs Gold Coast Suns Match Details

Date: Sunday, April 5, 2026

First Bounce: 3:20pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports