GWS Giants vs Gold Coast Suns Prediction: Giants to win here

The Australian Football League AAMI Community Series contest between GWS Giants and Gold Coast Suns will be held at Manuka Oval in Canberra. As both teams play their first match of the year, they aim to start the 2024 season on a positive note. Which side will emerge victorious?

GWS Giants are set to play their first match of the year with the goal of starting off on the right track. In the previous AFL season, GWS Giants delivered an impressive performance, securing a spot in the playoffs after the regular season. Progressing through the ⅛ finals by defeating the St Kilda Saints and then overcoming Port Adelaide Power on the road in the quarterfinals, they displayed commendable resilience. However, their journey was halted in the semifinals with a defeat to the Collingwood Magpies, ending their aspirations of reaching the finals.

As they approach this upcoming match with thorough preparation, the hosts are expected to bring their best performance to the field.

Gold Coast Suns faced considerable challenges in the previous season, struggling to the extent that they failed to qualify for the playoffs. Throughout the regular season, Gold Coast Suns managed to secure only 3 points from 23 matches, placing them in the 15th position out of 18 spots. Examining their recent matches leading up to this point in the competition, the visitors achieved only one victory, which came against a Brisbane Lions side already certain of making the playoffs. However, they experienced consecutive defeats in other matches against Adelaide Crows, Sydney Swans, Carlton Blues, and North Melbourne.

Even if Gold Coast Suns have improved, initiating a strong start after a challenging season will be a formidable task for them. On the contrary, GWS Giants boast a stronger and more proficient squad, consistently maintaining better form. Consequently, securing a first-quarter win seems likely for them. Nevertheless, considering the preseason nature of the competition, it is challenging to entirely dismiss the Gold Coast Suns. Therefore, I anticipate GWS Giants to secure a victory, but by a narrow margin of 1-9 points.