The Cats will be out to make amends on the Gold Coast this week, with four storylines to follow throughout the game.

The bounce back

The Cats faced Collingwood last week as clear favourites, but came away with their tails between their legs. It was the third time in a row the Pies had nabbed them.

Using the corridor via quick, precise ball movement and with both Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield well held, the Magpies mapped out the blue print to open up the Cats’ usually rigid defence. No doubt many opposition sides will have taken note – including the Gold Coast Suns. 

At 2-4 and in 13^th position, the Suns should, in theory, not be able to match the 5-1 Cats. But it’s the same scenario as last week, and Geelong will either fly to the Gold Coast in a vulnerable state, still questioning what went wrong last week, or arrive at Metricon Stadium with a much-needed killer instinct, ready to get their season rolling once more. 

The Cats need to bounce back from their loss to Collingwood and get the season rolling once more. (AFL Photos) 

The difference a week makes

Hen’s teeth and Joel Selwood having his colours lowered. There is nothing more rare.

Collingwood’s Levi Greenwood has gone to Geelong’s skipper the past two meetings with the Pies and held him to 18 and 17 disposals respectively. He’s frustrated Selwood for eight quarters and the Cats have lost both games.

Just a fortnight ago, however, the two-time All-Australian captain was in a league of his own as he racked up 43 disposals to will Geelong across the line against St Kilda. In fact, Selwood is still averaging a career-high 29.5 disposals per game and with a point to prove for both he and his side, you could put your house on Joel bouncing back – if you’re lucky enough to own a house, that is.

Joel Selwood is in career-best form, despite a tough day against Levi Greenwood last week. (AFL Photos)

Hello to the Little Master 

Why criticise the man they call ‘the Little Master’ when you just know he’ll make a fool out of you?

The Suns have started the season in disappointing fashion and their star has bore the brunt of criticism, whether it be for one game of “poor” body language, questions over his body in general or issues lingering from the off-season.

We certainly won’t be throwing any shade the way of Gary Ablett Jr., especially when his 192 games of service for Geelong yielded two premierships, two club best and fairests and a Brownlow Medal.

Instead, renewing acquaintances with a favourite son is something you can simply look forward to and appreciate. It will be the sixth time Ablett has faced his former side and on the back of his 45 disposals and career-high 18 clearances against North Melbourne last week, who knows what Gaz may do.

He's a favourite son of Geelong and we're looking forward to seeing Gary Ablett Jr. on Saturday night. (AFL Photos)

Careful at Carrara

Time and time again we’ve seen teams travel to Metricon Stadium and take the task far too lightly.

It’s a beautiful part of the world, the Gold Coast – the sun, the surf, the Meter Maids. But if you underestimate the Suns on their home deck, you simply get done.

Richmond found out the hard way in their season opener of 2014, losing by 18 points in a boilover. The Tigers would go on to make finals that same year.

Fellow finalists in 2014 North Melbourne were pumped to the tune of 55 points in round 14, but would then defeat both Essendon in an elimination final and Geelong a week later in the semi-final.

But perhaps the most unique result at Metricon was when West Coast drew with the Suns in round 18, 2015. Come October, the Eagles were playing off on grand final day against Hawthorn. 

After a shock loss to Collingwood last week, you can’t imagine the Cats would undersell what lays ahead on Saturday night. But if they do, a rude shock awaits.

You can't take the Suns lightly at Metricon Stadium, as the Eagles found out in 2015. (AFL Photos)