In three matches against his former side, Gold Coast SUNS magician Gary Ablett has had 92 possessions and kicked four goals, and polled twice in the Brownlow Medal for three votes in total.  But in those games, Geelong has won by 66 points, 14 points and 52 points, after twice trailing at half-time.

The inspirational SUNS skipper will be primed for another big showing against the Cats on Saturday in the hope that he can help to turn the result around, end a three-game losing streak for his side, and ensure a close mate celebrates his 50^th game in style.

Ruckman Zac Smith will become the 15^th player to reach a games half- century for the SUNS behind Ablett (73), Trent McKenzie (69), Jarrod Harbrow (68), Danny Stanley (65), Matt Shaw (64), David Swallow and Dion Prestia (63), Michael Rischitelli (58), Harley Bennell (56), the retired Jared Brennan (54), Luke Russell (53), and Brandon Matera and Tom Lynch (50).

Ablett and Smith have developed a close bond, and not just because of their centre square affiliation on the ground. They also spend a lot of time together off the ground.

Smith’s half century will be one with a difference.  He played 20 of a possible 22 games in a stunning 2011 debut season, 16 of a possible 22 in 2012, when he also had two games in the reserves, and then eight of a possible eight in 2013 until a horrific knee injury against the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium in round 8 of that year.

The central Queenslander then missed a full season, and, after returning straight into the senior side in round 9 this year against St Kilda he’s played five straight to reach 49.

Also tomorrow, Jaeger O’Meara will play his 35^th consecutive game to break the club record of 34, set by Harley Bennell when he didn’t miss a game between round 16, 2011, and round 3, 2013.  O’Meara hasn’t missed a game since his debut in round 1 last year.

Jack Martin, who will slot straight back into the SUNS side this weekend after an injury-shortened debut in round 1, will play against Geelong for the first time. Likewise, Kade Kolodjashnij and Alex Sexton, while Greg Broughton will play against the Cats for the first time in SUNS colours.

Ablett is the SUNS’ leading possession-winner against Geelong, despite playing only three of the club’s four games against them. He has 92 to lead Harbrow (88) and Rischitelli and Stanley (81).  Ablett also has the only two 30-possession games for Gold Coast against the 2007-09-11 premiers.  He’s also the SUNS’ equal leading goal-kicker overall against Geelong with four, level with Bennell and the retired Campbell Brown.

Brown and ex-SUN Josh Caddy, who will play for Geelong against the Gold Coast for the first time tomorrow, share the record for most goals in a game for the club against the Cats with three.

Geelong has beaten Gold Coast in each of their four meetings. They won the 2011 clash in which Ablett did not play by 150 points.