Gold Coast v Richmond Match PreviewMartin Pegan
afl.com.au
7 March 2024Last time: GC 11.6 (72) d Rich 6.12 (48), R7 2023
What it meansAfter several false dawns, could this finally be the year that Gold Coast secures its first finals berth? With a three-time premiership-winning coach Damien Hardwick now at the helm, and an enviable crop of young talent on the list, a fast start against Hardwick's former club would be the ideal way to build belief.
New Richmond coach Adem Yze will take the reins for the first time following Hardwick's move north. The absence of Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt gives the Tigers outfit a new look on the field, and while they might be rebuilding on the run, there are enough players remaining from the Hardwick-era that will want to give their former mentor a parting gift of a heavy defeat.
Game shapersThe pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together for Gold Coast but it will hope to get a further boost from spearhead Ben King. The 202cm forward booted 40 goals in 20 matches last season, after overcoming an ACL tear sustained the previous year, and could take the Suns higher with a greater haul as the Suns rise under Hardwick.
Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia is due a clean run after a stretch of injury-hit seasons that have blighted his prime years. The former Sun appears to be in good nick and ready to launch into the season to support Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Shai Bolton as the Tigers regenerate all over the ground.
Early tip: Gold Coast by 26 points
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1082532/opening-round-preview-old-rivalries-reignited-teams-out-for-pf-revenge
