<p>AFL footy makes its debut in wine country!</p> <p>That’s right, The Barossa Valley is set to become the 51st venue to host a VFL/AFL match as South Australia continues to strengthen its hold on the Gather Round bonanza.&nbsp;</p> <p>Christening the new oval at Lyndoch will be North Melbourne and the Gold Coast Suns.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Suns unbeaten start to the year has made the rest of the competition wake up and take notice. For all the expectations that have been on them, they might be showing signs, finally, that this is the year they deliver on all the promises and talk.</p> <p>They face a North Melbourne side who will be champing at the bit to get back on the field after an awful display against the Swans. Comprehensively beaten in every facet of the game, it was another case of three steps forward, two steps back for the Roos.</p> <p>It was after this matchup last year too where Suns coach Damien Hardwick famously said that his team needed to “grow the **** up” after a close loss at Marvel Stadium. How much will they look to flex their muscles with their new swagger and style of play this time around?</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds and betting tips, check out our Roos vs Suns prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Gold Coast Suns Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Aidan Corr, Charlie Comben, Luke McDonald</p> <p>HB: Harry Sheezel, Griffin Logue, Caleb Daniel</p> <p>C: Bailey Scott, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin</p> <p>HF: Colby McKercher, Nick Larkey, Jacob Konstanty</p> <p>F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar</p> <p>Foll: Tristian Xerri, Tom Powell, Luke Parker</p> <p>Int: Darcy Tucker, George Wardlaw, Darcy Tucker, Matt Whitlock, Robbie Hansen jr</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Gold Coast Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Bodhi Uwland, Sam Collins, Wil Powell</p> <p>HB: John Noble, Mac Andrew, Daniel Rioli</p> <p>C: Lachie Weller, Matt Rowell, Connor Budarick</p> <p>HF: Ben Ainsworth, Jed Walter, Touk Miller</p> <p>F: Ethan Read, Ben King, Bailey Humphrey</p> <p>Foll: Jarrod Witts, Noah Anderson, Sam Flanders</p> <p>Int: Will Graham, Ben Long, Sam Clohesy, Joel Jeffrey, Jake Rogers</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Gold Coast Suns Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Any goodwill that the Roos had earned thus far in season 2025 was eroded in four very poor quarters last Saturday night.</p> <p>And now they head into Gather Round as one of just two teams in the league without an overall winning record against the Suns.</p> <p>And based on the way the Suns have started the year, they will have to produce something pretty darn special to bring the overall head-to-head back to an even keel.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Suns currently have the second best offence and second best defence in the league, making their overall profile and gamestyle the most complete at this stage of the season.</p> <p>Their midfield is working a treat with new skipper Noah Anderson leading by example. Riding shotgun with him is his best mate Matt Rowell and Sam Flanders.</p> <p>North’s midfield too has had no trouble in getting the ball and getting it forward. It could receive a boost if they decide to bring George Wardlaw back after he made his return from a major hamstring injury in the VFL over the weekend. The issue for North remains the defence in a backline that has struggled for continuity, ranking 15th in points against per game.</p> <p>With Ben King, Ben Long, Ethan Read and Jed Walter all in good goalkicking form, it could be a big day for the Suns. They could cover the line quite comfortably here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-gold-coast-9084231">Gold Coast</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>The Suns have scored the first goal in all their games this season, but have shared around the first goalkicking love.</p> <p>But while their forward line is functioning nicely, there’s still one big focal point down there in Ben King, who will be licking his lips after seeing what the Swans forward line was able to do to the Roos backline last week.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-gold-coast-9084231">Ben King</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Last week was a return to the Harry Sheezel we know and love.</p> <p>Back on the half-back line, back racking up the ball at will and distributing nicely. Keep him there please Clarko.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-gold-coast-9084231">Harry Sheezel 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Gold Coast Suns Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday April 11th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>12:35 PM, AEDT</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Barossa Park, Lyndoch</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>