It’s the Nathan Ablett Cup at Kardinia Park as the Gold Coast Suns travel to play Geelong in what shapes up to be one of the games of the round.
The Cats are on a roll. Again.
Three wins in a row. Four of their last five, with the close loss to the Giants sandwiched in between, have set up their season strongly, once more. Jezza Cameron got to work late to shake off the Eagles in Perth last week, and Bailey Smith was dominant yet again as he continues his charge to being among the best handful of players in the competition.
The Suns let one slip at home against the Dockers in trying conditions. But their performance on the day did nothing to undo their best-ever start to a season that sees them on a path to a maiden finals appearance.
Skipper Noah Anderson has elevated himself to A-grade status among players in the competition and is sneaking up on everyone regarding Brownlow Medal contention.
A win here would further confirm that bright start and give them immense confidence heading into the bye.
It would take a piece of history, as the Suns have never won at the Cattery before, but this is a very different Suns team from the ones that have traveled there previously.
The Cats are set to receive a boost in the form of their skipper Patrick Dangerfield, who will return after three and a bit weeks out with a hamstring complaint. That could be the only change to Chris Scott’s side, who are chugging along beautifully and getting some important depth pieces back on the park.
There’s also not really a case to make any changes at the Suns, although there might be some sorer bodies after battling the inclement conditions. Ethan Read might be the only one to come in for ruckman Ned Moyle, with Damien Hardwick trialing the two-ruck combination.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Cats vs Suns prediction and preview below.
Geelong vs Gold Coast Predicted Teams
Geelong Predicted Team List
B: Connor O’Sullivan, Sam De Koning, Mark O’Connor
HB: Zach Guthrie, Jack Henry, Tom Stewart
C: Mark Blicavs, Max Holmes, Ollie Dempsey
HF: Gryan Miers, Shannon Neale, Patrick Dangerfield
F: Brad Close, Jeremy Cameron, Tyson Stengle
Foll: Rhys Stanley, Bailey Smith, Tom Atkins
Int: Lawson Humphries, Oisin Mullin, Ollie Henry, Mitch Duncan, Shaun Mannagh
Gold Coast Predicted Team List
B: Bodhi Uwland, Mac Andrew, Wil Powell
HB: John Noble, Sam Collins, Daniel Rioli
C: Sam Clohesy, Matt Rowell, Brayden Fiorini
HF: Ben Ainsworth, Jed Walter, Touk Miller
F: Ben Long, Ben King, Sam Flanders
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Bailey Humphrey, Noah Anderson
Int: Ethan Read, Nick Holman, Joel Jeffrey, Leo Lombard, David Swallow
Geelong vs Gold Coast Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Geelong have enjoyed playing the Suns a lot since they came into the competition, only losing to the Suns four times ever. Gold Coast has won the past two head-to-head battles, with the last one coming at their Top-End fortress last year.
The Suns would need to create a piece of history if they wanted to win this one. Their horror record down at GMHBA Stadium sits at eight losses from eight visits, with an average losing margin of 71.5 points.
Over the past five weeks, the Cats have been the second-best territory team in the competition and are best in the competition at getting the ball from D50 to F50 and chaining to score. Largely thanks to the ‘Dash bros’ Baz Smith and Maxy Holmes.
The Suns though have the ‘Bruise bros’ and they happen to be best mates. Noah Anderson, we’ve spoken about as a player hunting the Brownlow, but Matty Rowell continues to put his name up in the lights as one of the best inside mids in the competition. He’s averaging 7.1 clearances per game - equal fifth in the competition, giving his side first use and breaking out of the centre.
So, if the Suns can make it a contested game, rather than a transition game (Which they’re very good at too, mind you), that could play into their favour, especially with the fickleness of the Cats' midfield. But, with the record they have down there, it might be a bridge too far, as the home side, more often than not, get it on their terms.
Betting tip: Cats
First Goal Prediction
There’s no stopping Jeremy Cameron at the moment. 18 goals in the past three weeks have seen him stretch his lead at the top of the Coleman Medal race to five ahead of the next best.
He’ll have a tough matchup this week with Sam Collins, who despite having a couple of down weeks, is a very good defender. But we’re backing Jezza to draw first blood here.
Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron
Most Disposals Prediction
It's no coincidence that once Gryan Miers returned from concussion, the Cats’ performances have gotten better.
One of their most creative players, Miers has pushed further up the ground in recent weeks. The Cats team aren’t usual ball-hogs and share it around quite a bit, but often give it to Miers to be the creator going forward. We think they’ll give it to him quite a bit.
Betting tip: Gryan Miers 25+ disposals
Geelong Cats vs Gold Coast Suns Match Details
Date: Saturday, June 7th
First Bounce: 4:15 PM, AEST
Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports