THESE teams played two of the most exciting matches of the 2013 season. Ash McGrath completed a memorable 200th game with an after-the-siren goal completing a remarkable 52-point turnaround in round 13, while Geelong turned the tables in round 23 with a thrilling one-point win at Simonds Stadium. A lot has changed at the Lions since then, and they started life under rookie coach Justin Leppitsch with a competitive loss against Hawthorn in round one. They will play the Cats minus suspended midfield ace Tom Rockliff but will still fancy their chances in the 100th game for both Daniel Rich and Jack Redden. Geelong started its campaign with a strong win over Adelaide and after celebrating Jimmy Bartel's 250th in style, have another reason to lift with defender Andrew Mackie playing his 200th game. The hot conditions of a 12.10pm start should favour the locals, but you'd be a brave person to tip against Geelong.

WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Sunday March 30, 12.10pm

R23, 2013, Geelong 15.22 (112) d Brisbane 17.9 (111) at Simonds Stadium

R13, 2013, Brisbane 15.13 (103) d Geelong 14.14 (98) at the Gabba

R5, 2012, Geelong 12.7 (79) d Brisbane 4.17 (41) at the Gabba

R17, 2011, Geelong 20.13 (133) d Brisbane 15.14 (104) at the Gabba

R17, 2010, Geelong 19.13 (127) d Brisbane 9.10 (64) at Simonds Stadium

1. It was one win each in 2013 and both games were thrillers; the Lions won by five points in round 13 at the Gabba following Ash McGrath's heroic goal after the final siren, while Geelong snuck home by one point in round 23.

2. Both teams were impressive in round one with centre clearances; the Lions were ranked first with 19 and Geelong was equal-fourth with 16.

3. Geelong has dominated the Lions in recent seasons, winning 11 of 13 contests since 2006, including five by 50 points or more.

4. The Cats had 62 inside-50s in round one, the second most, while the Lions had 50, leaving them ninth.

5. At the Gabba it's eight wins to seven in the home team's favour, but Geelong has won five of the past seven.

6. Two of the most creative defenders in the game will take the field on Sunday. Corey Enright is ranked 44th overall – fourth among defenders – in the AFL Official Player Ratings while Lion Pearce Hanley also sneaks into the top 50 at No.49 (sixth among defenders).

Prediction: Geelong by 19 points