SUMMARY
For so many reasons, this game has so much interest. Not only is it the first time Gold Coast will play at its home ground in 2018, but it's also the first time Gary Ablett will play his former club since departing during the off-season. And it's also the first time Suns co-captain Tom Lynch will have played for five weeks after overcoming a persistent knee problem. With a Cats team that has spluttered their way through the opening 10 rounds playing a Gold Coast unit that has lived on the road until now, both are desperate to kick-start a good run of form. Gold Coast has shown it will battle hard under new coach Stuart Dew, and with Lynch, Sam Day (suspension) and Jack Martin (illness) all back after missing the match in China against Port Adelaide, they might now have some polish to match the endeavour. Geelong have been struck by injuries, but battled to get past Carlton last week and would be confident of making it back-to-back victories against the Suns.
WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday, June 2, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R7, 2017, Gold Coast 18.16 (124) d Geelong 15.9 (99) at Metricon Stadium
R6, 2016, Geelong 25.18 (168) d Gold Coast 7.6 (48) at GMHBA Stadium
R3, 2015, Geelong 16.9 (105) d Gold Coast 13.18 (96) at GMHBA Stadium
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 GMHBA Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Gold Coast had the better of the Cats when they last played, dominating disposals (445-378), marks (107-81) and having 23 more inside 50s. Aaron Hall was a star with 32 touches, one goal and eight tackles.
2. The Suns are one of the strongest contested possession teams this season, ranked in the top five and averaging 155.4 a game. The Cats are mid-table with an average of 148.4.
3. It's two wins apiece from the last four contests after Geelong had won the first four, including three by more than 50 points.
4. No team has taken fewer marks this season than the Suns, averaging 76 a game. They are also ranked last for marks inside 50 and contested marks.
5. The Cats are the worst centre clearance team this season, averaging just 9.4 a game. The Suns are only marginally better, ranked 16th with an average of 11.1.
6. Geelong might have a 'Big Three' midfield, but another player is slipping under the radar. Sam Menegola has jumped to a career-high 35th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after 23 touches, two goals and 10 tackles last week.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Who other than Gary Ablett? The dual Brownlow medallist will surely feel a mix of emotions as he runs on to Metricon Stadium for the first time since leaving the Suns last year. Although he'll always be remembered as a Cat, Ablett is a Gold Coast icon, having won four best and fairests and a Brownlow in his seven seasons at the club.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 20 points
