People First Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 1 AFL game between Gold Coast SUNS and Geelong Cats. The game kicks off at 8:05 pm with Gold Coast SUNS heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast SUNS vs. Geelong Cats game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday March 6, 2026 at 8:05 pm

Where: People First Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Gold Coast SUNS vs Geelong Cats Odds

Gold Coast SUNS vs Geelong Cats Preview

Friday night at People First Stadium offers an early measuring stick for two clubs with genuine premiership ambitions. Gold Coast enters 2026 on the back of its most successful campaign to date and has doubled down on that momentum, recruiting Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan while securing academy talents Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson inside the top five of the draft.

Geelong’s offseason was comparatively restrained after last year’s Grand Final defeat, missing out on Rowan Marshall and Charlie Curnow but bolstering its midfield with James Worpel.

The Cats had the upper hand when these sides last met, grinding out a 61-37 win in heavy conditions at GMHBA Stadium. Max Holmes was influential with 40 disposals and 10 clearances, while Tyson Stengle booted four goals. With Stengle sidelined, the Suns will sense an opportunity to turn the tables at home.