The Gold Coast Suns are highly touted entering the 2026 season and will host last year’s Grand Finalists Geelong in the opening round.
Gold Coast Suns vs Geelong Cats
It’s a big opportunity for Gold Coast to set the tone for its 2026 campaign when it faces the Cats without Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield.
Christian Petracca is a huge addition for the Suns this season and should play an important early role with Matt Rowell expected to miss time.
Can the Suns start their season with a win, or will we see another Chris Scott masterclass?
LEG 1 - Gold Coast Suns
Although Matt Rowell won’t be available, the Suns still enter this clash close to full strength at People First Stadium.
Gold Coast has won 78% of its games at the venue since the start of 2024 and won’t get a better opportunity to open the season with a victory.
Geelong is missing Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield, which significantly weakens their forward half, while Bailey Smith and Gryan Miers both enter under injury clouds.
LEG 2 - Christian Petracca 25+ Disposals
While Petracca may spend more time forward this season, Rowell’s absence should see him take on a larger midfield role early.
He recorded 24 disposals in last week’s Community Series hit-out against Brisbane, leading the Suns in touches.
With O’Connor and Mullin named for Geelong, one of them may run with Noah Anderson, which could allow Petracca to dominate the midfield ball.
LEG 3 - Shaun Mannagh 1+ Goals
Mannagh will be an important piece of Geelong’s forward structure and should hit the scoreboard.
He kicked a goal in 68% of games last season and finished 2025 strongly, kicking goals in five of his final six matches.
After finishing with 31 goals in 2025, Mannagh becomes even more important to the Cats’ attack without Cameron and Dangerfield.
LEG 4 - Leo Lombard 1+ Goals
Leo Lombard was one of the Suns’ bright spots during the pre-season.
The highly rated 2024 draft pick should see plenty of opportunity in 2026 following the departures of Ben Ainsworth and Malcolm Rosas, along with Sam Flanders shifting roles.
Lombard kicked three goals against Brisbane in the Community Series and should again be heavily involved inside the Suns’ forward 50.
Same Game Multi
Gold Coast / Mannagh 1+ Goals / Petracca 25+ Disposals / Lombard 1+ Goals = $4.80
