Though Gary Ablett has been in the centre of controversy this week, Hawthorn will be preparing for the brownlow medallist's best when the Hawks met the Suns this Sunday.
Here are three reasons why Ablett will bounce back against the Hawks:
1. He loves playing against the Hawks
Over his career, Ablett has averaged just shy of 29 disposals against the Hawks over his 20 encounters with them.
In the last six occasions, Ablett has faced the Hawks, he has gathered an incredible 233 disposals, reaching the 40-disposal mark on four of those games and averaging just shy of 39 disposals!
2. He loves playing at Metricon
Metricon Stadium is one of only three grounds in the country that Ablett averages over 30 disposals.
Of any ground, Ablett has had his most disposals at Metricon, collecting 1482 touches in his 48 games at the venue.
What makes this feat all the more startling is that there are three other grounds that Ablett has played more games at, including Simmonds Stadium 66 games, Etihad 53 and MCG 50.
3. You can’t keep a good player down for long
Ablett hasn’t had two consecutive games where his disposal tally has been under 20 since 2006 when he was a 21-year old forward pocket for Geelong.
In fact, since that time, Ablett has only had two consecutive games of less than 25 disposals on four occasions.
When you consider that he has played 190 games since that break-out year in 2007, that is a frightening thought for all opposition.
