SUMMARY
Few were predicting on the eve of the season that Geelong and Gold Coast would be scratching for their first win in this round three clash at Simonds Stadium. Both have been disappointing in the first two weeks, with the Suns losses to Melbourne and St Kilda alarming. Finally, Gary Ablett has decided to take a break to assist his recovery from a shoulder injury after playing like a lame duck for the first two rounds. Geelong will not be taking the Suns lightly. The Cats lost to them in the NAB Challenge and in their only clash in 2014 and have no reason to be overconfident. They should win, but if the Suns can stick with the Cats early the pressure will build on the home team.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Sunday, April 19, 3.20pm AEST
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2014, Gold Coast 17.16 (118) d Geelong 11.12 (78) at Metricon Stadium
R10, 2013, Geelong 18.15 (123) d Gold Coast 10.11 (71) at Simonds Stadium
R15, 2012, Geelong 15.20 (110) d Gold Coast 13.18 (96) at Metricon Stadium
R20, 2011, Geelong 29.14 (188) d Gold Coast 6.2 (38) at Simonds Stadium
R10, 2011, Geelong 21.13 (139) d Gold Coast 10.13 (73) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast’s win over Geelong in 2014 was thanks to two stars. Gary Ablett had 33 possessions, eight tackles and one goal and Harley Bennell who had 27 touches, 11 marks and kicked six goals.
2. The Cats are experiencing their worst start to a season since 2004 when they lost their first two games. Their average score is only 60 points with their average losing margin 53 points.
3. Geelong's average winning margin in their two meetings at Simonds Stadium is 101 points.
4. The Suns have one of the best clearance players in the first two weeks with Dion Prestia ranked equal second in the competition with 18 clearances.
5. Gold Coast has kicked just seven goals in the combined first halves of the opening two rounds of 2015.
6. Geelong’s 44-point loss to Fremantle in round two was their heaviest defeat at Simonds Stadium since 2006 and they haven’t lost consecutive games in Geelong since late in 2002.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Steven Motlop. After being suspended for a week for disciplinary reasons, he sat back and watched the Cats get beaten comprehensively on the outside of the contest. He has made his apologies. Now it's time for action. If he can set Simonds Stadium alight he will take his first step towards redemption.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 32 points.
