It is hard to find a more inspirational duo in Geelong’s history than Gary Ablett Jnr and Joel Selwood.
This weekend they will celebrate their 350th and 300th games against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday afternoon.
Both have demonstrated their ability to stand up and have a significant impact in the big games, and their teammates will be looking to rise to the challenge and give both men a milestone to remember.
In the Suns they face one of the in-form sides in the competition. Gold Coast are on a three-game winning streak and their young side are high on confidence.
The game shapes as a beauty. Two sides boasting some of the most talented players in the competition and we take a look at some of the key matchups that could help determine who comes out on top.
Cameron Guthrie v Matt Rowell
Guthrie is one of Geelong’s form players after a best-on-ground performance in the Cats win against Melbourne.
He looks set for a tagging role on star first-year Sun Matt Rowell after Chris Scott hinted at Tuesday’s press conference that the Cats would likely tag the damaging Sun.
The number one draft pick has had a red-hot start to his inaugural AFL campaign. Rowell is averaging 21 touches and five clearances per game. He has also had an impact in attack too, kicking six goals for the season.
Guthrie’s physique and aggression in the contest, combined with his ability to follow Rowell when he pushes into attack makes him an ideal matchup.
Ben King v Mark Blicavs
King has been in excellent goal kicking form to start the season, leading the way for the Suns with seven majors.
He has benefitted from a Gold Coast midfield who are sending the football inside 50 with more efficiency this season.
King is an outstanding contested mark who likes to take the ball at its highest point, using his height and natural leap to his advantage.
Mark Blicavs is the man to stop King. His has the athletic attributes to curb King’s influence in the air and is strong in one-on-one contests.
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Mitch Duncan v Lachie Weller
Duncan simply loves playing the Suns.
He averages a career-high 28 disposals (four more than against any other team) and a goal per game.
The Cats look a far more devastating team when the football is in his hands.
Lachie Weller is a few years his junior but is a player that Gold Coast’s forwards want delivering the ball inside their attacking 50.
He is an elite by hand and is very good at linking up with his other midfielders on the outside, averaging 19 disposals per game this season.
