The Gold Coast SUNS travel to Darwin for their Round 10 clash against Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) at TIO Stadium on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Furthermore, this fixture features two contrasting sides, with the SUNS sitting sixth on the ladder while Yartapuulti languish at 14th.
In addition, Gold Coast are 6-3 with a 118.5% net rating, riding a strong start to the 2026 campaign. Moreover, Yartapuulti sit 14th with a 3-6 record after a disappointing start to their season. As a result, this fixture carries significant playoff implications as the SUNS chase a maiden finals appearance.
Match Details
The game starts at 1:45 PM local ACST time at TIO Stadium in Darwin, marking the SUNS’ second Darwin match of the season. Specifically, the match is broadcast across multiple international networks, with the contest set to draw a strong Northern Territory crowd at the 12,500-capacity venue.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Gold Coast SUNS vs Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) |
| Tournament | AFL 2026 Premiership Season |
| Round | Round 10 |
| Date | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Local Time (ACST) | 1:45 PM |
| Venue | TIO Stadium, Darwin |
| Capacity | Approximately 12,500 |
| Match Type | Regular season + Sir Doug Nicholls Round |
How Are Both Teams Performing?
Furthermore, the two sides arrive at TIO Stadium with very different form lines. Specifically, the SUNS are pushing for a maiden finals appearance, while Yartapuulti are battling to revive their season.
Gold Coast SUNS Form
Gold Coast sit sixth on the ladder with a 6-3 record and a 118.5% net rating. Specifically, the SUNS’ attacking output has been outstanding across 2026, with 895 points scored against 755 conceded. Moreover, captain Touk Miller and Matt Rowell have anchored the side’s midfield throughout the strong opening. In addition, the SUNS’ first Darwin assignment in 2026 produced a strong home-state advantage win, and they will look to repeat the trick.
Yartapuulti Form
Yartapuulti sit 14th on the ladder with a 3-6 record and a 109.5% net rating, although their form line is mixed. Specifically, Port Adelaide’s recent loss to Geelong by 30 points highlighted defensive weaknesses. Moreover, captain Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis remain critical to the side’s attacking output. Additionally, Yartapuulti’s need for a win is at its highest level of the season as the Wildcard zone slips away.
Form Comparison
The form table below compares both teams across their last 5 matches.
Gold Coast SUNS Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | St Kilda | Won by 18 points |
| May 2, 2026 | Brisbane Lions | Lost by 52 points |
| April 25, 2026 | GWS Giants | Won by 18 points |
| April 18, 2026 | Adelaide Crows | Won by 12 points |
| April 12, 2026 | Hawthorn | Lost by 49 points |
Yartapuulti Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | Adelaide Crows | Lost by 16 points |
| May 2, 2026 | Western Bulldogs | Won by 38 points |
| April 25, 2026 | Geelong Cats | Lost by 30 points |
| April 18, 2026 | Sydney Swans | Lost by 28 points |
| April 11, 2026 | Hawthorn | Lost by 3 points |
AFL Round 10 Ladder Position
The ladder position reflects the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs in 2026. Furthermore, eight ladder positions separate the SUNS from Yartapuulti heading into Round 10.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Gold Coast SUNS | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 118.5 |
| 14 | Yartapuulti | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 109.5 |
Playing Squads
Here are the squads for both teams.
Gold Coast SUNS Playing Squad
The SUNS field a settled lineup led by captain Touk Miller and contested ball-winner Matt Rowell. Specifically, the side combines experienced midfielders with the dynamic Ben King up forward.
Gold Coast SUNS Playing Squad: Touk Miller (c), Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Ben King, Levi Casboult, Sam Flanders, Jack Lukosius, Mac Andrew, Sam Collins, Brandon Ellis, Wil Powell, Jed Walter, Connor Budarick, Sean Lemmens, Bailey Humphrey, Jy Farrar, Lloyd Johnston, Daniel Rioli, Sam Day, John Noble, Brayden Fiorini, Joel Jeffrey, Ned Moyle
Yartapuulti Playing Squad
Yartapuulti are led by captain Connor Rozee with Jason Horne-Francis as the side’s primary midfielder. Specifically, the team features Charlie Dixon in attack and Aliir Aliir anchoring the back six.
Yartapuulti Playing Squad: Connor Rozee (c), Jason Horne-Francis, Travis Boak, Aliir Aliir, Charlie Dixon, Mitch Georgiades, Zak Butters, Willem Drew, Sam Powell-Pepper, Ollie Wines, Dan Houston, Ryan Burton, Esava Ratugolea, Ivan Soldo, Quinton Narkle, Miles Bergman, Hugh Jackson, Lachie Jones, Todd Marshall, Kane Farrell, Joe Richards, Trent McKenzie, Logan Evans
Game Shapers and Key Players
Furthermore, several individual matchups will shape the outcome of the Round 10 fixture. Specifically, both sides feature standout players at every position.
Gold Coast SUNS Key Players
Touk Miller is the SUNS’ captain and most consistent midfielder, averaging 28+ disposals per match. Specifically, his contested ball-winning has been central to the SUNS’ 6-3 record.
Matt Rowell continues to be one of the AFL’s premier midfielders, with multiple 30-disposal performances across 2026. In addition, his clearance work at the stoppages has been outstanding.
Ben King anchors the SUNS’ forward line as the team’s most consistent goal-kicker. Moreover, his ability to convert from inside 50 has been central to the SUNS’ high-scoring 2026 campaign.
Yartapuulti Key Players
Connor Rozee remains Yartapuulti’s most influential midfielder. Specifically, his ability to win contested ball and feed teammates has been central to the side’s attacking moments.
Jason Horne-Francis is the engine of the Port Adelaide midfield. In addition, his clearance work and goal-kicking power are critical to Yartapuulti’s hopes of an upset.
Charlie Dixon leads the Yartapuulti forward line as the team’s main goal-kicking option. Moreover, his contested marks and presence at the centre square give the side genuine attacking firepower.
Betting Odds for Gold Coast SUNS vs Yartapuulti
Furthermore, the bookmakers have priced Gold Coast as solid home favourites for the Round 10 fixture. Specifically, the line is set at Gold Coast -14.5 points across most major bookmakers.
| Bookmaker | Gold Coast Win | Yartapuulti Win | Line (Gold Coast) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsbet | $1.55 | $2.55 | -14.5 |
| TAB | $1.55 | $2.55 | -14.5 |
| Bet365 | $1.58 | $2.50 | -14.5 |
| BetEasy | $1.55 | $2.55 | -14.5 |
| Pointsbet | $1.55 | $2.55 | -14.5 |
Stats Insider Model Prediction
Specifically, the Stats Insider model rates Gold Coast as solid favourites at the Darwin venue.
- Gold Coast to win: 68%
- Yartapuulti to win: 32%
- Predicted margin: Gold Coast by 12 to 18 points
- Predicted total: 175 points
- Both teams to score 70+: Yes (probability 70%)
Expert Tips for Round 10
Gold Coast are favourites with -14.5 handicap. Specifically, the SUNS’ Darwin home advantage and superior form line tilt the prediction in favour of the home side.
- Gold Coast SUNS to win with -14.5 handicap
- Total points over 175.5
- Matt Rowell 30+ disposals
- Ben King 3+ goals
- Connor Rozee 25+ disposals
Where to Watch Gold Coast SUNS vs Yartapuulti Round 10
Furthermore, the match is broadcast across multiple international networks.
| Platform | Coverage | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Channel 7 | Live broadcast | Australia |
| Fox Footy | Live broadcast | Australia |
| Kayo Sports | Live streaming | Australia |
| Watch AFL | Live streaming | Worldwide |
| TNT Sports | Live broadcast | UK |
| HBO Max | Live streaming | UK |
Match Prediction: Gold Coast SUNS to Win in Darwin
In summary, Gold Coast look strong favourites to extend their winning record at TIO Stadium. Specifically, the SUNS’ 118.5% net rating, top-six ladder position, and Darwin home advantage make them clear favourites. Moreover, Yartapuulti’s recent loss to Adelaide and inconsistent form across the season tilt the prediction firmly towards the home side. Furthermore, Damien Hardwick’s tactical control should ensure the SUNS dominate the contest.
Final Prediction: Gold Coast SUNS to win by 12 to 18 points
Also Read
Conclusion: SUNS Aim to Strengthen Top-Six Position
The Gold Coast SUNS vs Yartapuulti Round 10 fixture pits the in-form sixth-placed SUNS against a Port Adelaide side battling to revive their season. Specifically, Gold Coast’s 118.5% net rating and home advantage in Darwin make them clear favourites.
Furthermore, kick-off is at 1:45 PM ACST on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at TIO Stadium, with live coverage on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and Kayo Sports across Australia.
