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FORM & HISTORY

At the end of 2010, Geelong lost a couple of key personnel and none bigger than Gary Ablett Jnr. His defection to expansion club Gold Coast Suns, left the Cats fans dismayed. Since then, the two clubs have had some fine contests, their most recent Geelong's first loss to the Suns.

The difference this time around is Gary Ablett ($603,000 MID) will not be playing, for either team. The two time Brownlow Medalist suffered a further setback to his injured shoulder during the first two rounds of the season and has been ruled out indefinitely. 

THE LEAD UP

Perhaps the most talked about match of the round is Geelong v Gold Coast and for a number of reasons. Both clubs enter round three winless, Geelong having lost to reigning premiers Hawthorn and to Fremantle while the Suns have been beaten convincingly by Melbourne and St Kilda. The Geelong midfield is under pressure. Rodney Eade, coming in to just his third game as coach of the Suns, is under pressure and he will be without his biggest star.

With recent injuries to Mitch Hallahan ($350,000 MID) and Jarrod Harbrow ($423,000 DEF,MID) on top of those to Gary Ablett and Jaeger O'Meara, Gold Coast's second tier will need to lift on Sunday. Matt Shaw ($343,000 MID) and Trent McKenzie ($391,000 DEF) are likely inclusions to replace the injured pair.

On the other hand, Geelong have lost Andrew Mackie ($458,000 DEF) to a quad strain and will miss young running defender Billie Smedts ($196,000 DEF) who has been suspended for one match. Steve Motlop ($482,000 FWD,MID) will be welcomed back to the side after facing a club imposed sanction and Jimmy Bartel ($560,000 FWD) has recovered from his round one concussion.

No matter the personnel, both clubs have a point to prove after big losses in round two.

KEY MATCH-UP

Last time they met Harley Bennell ($472,000 FWD) kicked 6 goals after lining up at half forward and he could prove to be just as important on Sunday. Whether it be veteran defender Corey Enright ($457,000 DEF) who takes the job or Cameron Guthrie ($425,000 MID) in the tagging role, the matchup will be pivotal.

Almost as important as curbing Bennell's influence this week, will be hurting him the other way. Enright rebounding well from defense or Guthrie hitting the scoreboard in attack will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the match.

History tells us that Cameron Guthrie can score well even with a soft tagging role and that Corey Enright generally has no trouble finding the football. Despite the role that these two Cats may play, they remain solid choices for your fantasy team.

BOOM OR BUST

Mitch Duncan

While traditionally Mitch Duncan ($479,000 MID) is an elite ball winner, this hasn't been the case in the first two rounds of the season. He has found himself in a new defensive role, matched up against quick and damaging opponents. In round one it was Brad Hill, in round two Stephen Hill. Both of his opponents got the better of him, having a marked influence on the match and Duncan himself could not hurt them the other way. If Duncan finds himself in a similar role on Sunday, expect his fantasy scores to remain low. However, if he is released, we can expect a significant uptick in his output, and perhaps a price rise after lockout.

Steve Motlop

It has been a roller coaster start to the season for Steve Motlop. A career best 32 possessions in round one was followed by a club suspension in round 2. After admitting embarrassment in the wake of his suspension, Motlop will be keen to impress in his return game for Geelong. Expect his work rate to be second to none. Not only is he in career best form but he also enjoys a strong recent history against the Suns. Last time they met Motlop gathered 24 disposals and booted 3 goals. If he can reproduce that effort he is in line for a big fantasy score.

FOOTY PROPHET'S FANTASY FIVE

1. Joel Selwood ($577,000 MID)

2. Steve Motlop ($482,000 FWD,MID)

3. Jimmy Bartel ($560,000 FWD)

4. Cameron Guthrie ($425,000 MID)

5. Tom Hawkins ($400,000 FWD)