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Carlton vs Gold Coast Suns Tips - Blues to make it nine losses in a row for the Suns

adam-cusworth
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Last updated: Tue 21 Jul 2026 03:49

Carlton looks poised to bounce back with a crucial win over the struggling Gold Coast SUNS in AFL Round 20, 2026. Both teams have struggled offensively, making a low-scoring match likely. Despite recent losses, Carlton’s midfield, led by Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, and George Hewett, remains dominant. Gold Coast enters on the back of eight straight losses and continues to have difficulty converting midfield strength into scoring. Expect a tight, defensive contest, with Carlton’s stronger midfield and home advantage giving them the edge. Sam Walsh is tipped to shine with another high-disposal performance.

Adam Cusworth 21 Jul 2026
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  • The game will be played at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, 25th July, with the bounce at 1:05 PM (AEST)
  • Can the Suns snap eight match losing streak?
  • Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet
Sam Walsh

Carlton vs Gold Coast SUNS, Round 20 2026 - Expert Prediction


Carlton are set to keep their top 10 hopes alive with a win over the struggling Suns at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. 

With both sides finding goals hard to come by, the total match points appeal to stay under, while Sam Walsh shapes as a strong chance to continue his prolific run through the midfield.

The Blues’ dream run of seven straight wins has ended abruptly with losses to Hawthorn and Collingwood, but there are enough positives beneath the surface to suggest it can respond. 

They have been competitive around the contest and should enjoy the familiarity of Marvel Stadium against a Gold Coast side that seems to be shot, having lost eight straight matches, while they have struggled away from home throughout the season.

The midfield battle should heavily favour Carlton. Patrick Cripps, George Hewett and Sam Walsh have continued to win plenty of the football despite the recent losses, and if the Blues can again generate first use from stoppages they should control territory. Walsh, in particular, has found another level over the past month and looms as one of the safest disposal plays of the round.

Scoring opportunities are likely to be at a premium. Carlton is averaging just 57 points across its past three matches, while Gold Coast has managed only 61 points per game over the past four rounds. 

Both teams have defended reasonably well for long periods but have lacked polish inside forward 50, making another tight, low-scoring contest the most likely outcome.

The Suns still possess enough midfield talent to challenge, led by Touk Miller and Matt Rowell, but their inability to punish opposition sides on the scoreboard has continually left the door open. Ben King has also been well held in recent weeks, placing greater responsibility on the Suns' small and medium forwards to generate scores against Carlton's experienced defence.

Expect Carlton to grind out an important victory in a match where defence dominates, while Sam Walsh represents the best bet in player disposal props. 

  • Gold Coast are averaging just 61 points in the past four rounds.
  • Carlton are averaging just 57 points in the past three rounds.
  • Sam Walsh has had 30+ disposals in three of his past five matches and had 32 the last time the two sides met.
  • Gold Coast have lost eight matches in a row.

Head to Head Stats


Gold Coast took out the most recent clash between the two sides by 19 points, with that match played at Marvel Stadium in Round 22 last season.

Standout player performances in the recent head to heads have come from;
  • Sam Walsh (Blues)- 32 disposals in his most recent match against the Suns and 28+ in each of his past three.
  • Touk Miller (Suns)- 25+ disposals in five of his past six matches against the Blues.
  • Francis Evans (Blues)- Four goals in his most recent outing against Gold Coast.
  • Ben King (Suns)- Nine goals from his past two matches against the Blues.

Carlton Form Analysis


Carlton have lost their past two matches and come off a 21-point defeat to arch-rivals Collingwood. The Blues won their first seven matches under caretaker coach Josh Fraser before that momentum stalled with losses to Hawthorn and the Magpies. Against Collingwood, Carlton remained within striking distance for much of the night, dominating first possession around stoppages before that advantage faded as the game wore on. They still outscored the Magpies by 19 points from clearance, but their transition game again proved costly, conceding 29 points from intercept chains.

Patrick Cripps again led from the front with 30 disposals and two goals, while Sam Walsh, Jagga Smith and George Hewett all collected 25+ disposals. Walsh and Cripps have now recorded 30+ disposals in three of their past five matches. Mitch McGovern continued his solid form with two goals and has kicked multiple goals in three of his past four outings.

Although the results have dipped, Carlton has continued to compete well around the contest. The challenge now is converting that midfield dominance into scoreboard pressure, an area that has limited the Blues throughout much of the season.

Gold Coast Suns Form Analysis


Gold Coast's season has unravelled dramatically, with the Suns entering Round 20 on an eight-match losing streak and sitting 14th on the ladder with a 7-11 record. Last week they suffered a nine-point loss to the Western Bulldogs despite winning the disposal count by 91, finishing ahead in clearances and generating 11 more inside 50s. The difference came in forward-half efficiency, with the Bulldogs outscoring Gold Coast 9.6 (60) to 5.7 (37) from forward-half chains.

Touk Miller was outstanding with 39 disposals, while John Noble and Will Powell also found plenty of the football. Christian Petracca and Leo Lombard kicked two goals each in the low-scoring affair. Noble has now produced 30+ disposals in two of his past three matches, while Matt Rowell has had 25+ in each of his past three. Ben King has been well contained recently, kicking just seven goals across his past five matches, including only one goal in four of those games.

The Suns have struggled away from Queensland and the Northern Territory, going 1-7 in those matches this season, although they have won three of their past four appearances at Marvel Stadium.

Carlton vs Gold Coast SUNS Team List & News


  • To be updated after team selection on Thursday.

Carlton Team News


Carlton will monitor Harry McKay after he was unable to return following a knee-on-knee collision against Collingwood, while Adam Cerra was also forced from the ground with hamstring tightness but has been cleared of a tear. Both will face fitness tests in the lead up to Saturday. Jacob Weitering remains on the sidelines, while Marc Pittonet and Lewis Young are edging closer towards a return. 

Gold Coast Suns Team News


The Suns escaped last week's loss to the Western Bulldogs without any fresh injury concerns. Sam Clohesy and Charlie Ballard are among those with some solid form in the VFL that could be considered. 

Carlton vs Gold Coast SUNS AFL 2026 Round 20 FAQ’s

  • How to watch Carlton vs Gold Coast SUNS AFL 2026 Round 20?

    You can watch the Carlton vs Gold Coast SUNS AFL 2026 Round 20 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

  • How to buy tickets to Carlton vs Gold Coast SUNS AFL 2026 Round 20?

    To buy tickets to the Carlton vs Gold Coast SUNS AFL 2026 Round 20 game check the AFL website or the official Carlton site.

Verdict

Carlton in a low scoring match with Walsh to find plenty of footy
Best Bet1: Carlton Win $1.64 at OnlyBets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Under 164.5 O/U $1.88 at OnlyBets - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Sam Walsh 30+ Player Disposals $1.86 at picklebet - 1 Unit
Carlton
Win
$1.64 - 1 Unit
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Under 164.5
O/U
$1.88 - 1 Unit
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Sam Walsh 30+
Player Disposals
$1.86 - 1 Unit
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