When Gold Coast SUNS captain Gary Ablett takes the field against GWS on Saturday, there will be a familiar face on the opposition in the form of former Geelong premiership teammate Steve Johnson.

The pair played together in the Cats’ 2007 and 2009 Grand Final wins and with Johnson now wearing the orange and charcoal of the Giants, he has warned his new teammates of the impact the Little Master can have on a game of football.

“I don’t think his form is too bad,” Johnson told The Daily Telegraph.

“Everyone likes to compare Gaz to his absolute best and he sets a very high bar.

“There’s no doubt he’s been carrying a few niggles but as a team we have to prepare for Gary to be at his best because if you take him lightly he will definitely hurt you. You are wary of that, you definitely are.”

READ: Match preview, Giants v SUNS

Ablett’s on-field performances have been heavily scrutinised this season, with the dual Brownlow medallist averaging 27.4 disposals and 12 contested possessions per game. Numbers that would be considered elite by most, but human for a player that averaged over 30 touches per game in six consecutive seasons.

Despite his apparent drop in form, Johnson admits his side will need to prepare for the Ablett of old.

“Gary is the most competitive person I’ve ever met,” Johnson said.

“There is no doubt the criticism will be used as motivation by him.

“That’s why you have to prepare for him to be at his best. No doubt someone will have a role to curb his influence but even though he has been a little bit down on form, he is still productive.”