Beware a wounded and under-fire Gary Ablett – that's the message from good friend, former Geelong premiership teammate and GIANTS forward Steve Johnson ahead of the Giants' clash with Gold Coast on Saturday.
Ablett's form has been heavily scrutinised so far this season, despite the fact that the Suns captain is averaging 27 possessions and almost six tackles per game.
The dual Brownlow medallist – just like his side – started the year well, but shoulder and leg problems look to be affecting his ball-winning ability and as a consequence, critics have been lining up to predict that Ablett's amazing career is on the wane.
The 281-game star will turn 32 years old the day he crosses paths with Johnson at Spotless Stadium, but his old mate isn't buying into any of the doubts over Ablett's ability to influence matches.
"He's the most competitive person I've ever met, and there's no doubt the criticism will be used as motivation by him," Johnson said on Wednesday.
"I guess everyone likes to compare 'Gaz' to his absolute best, and he sets a very high bar.
"Even though he's been down on form, he's still been productive.
"There's no doubt he's been carrying a few little niggles, but as a team we've got to prepare for Gary to be back to his best, because if you take him lightly he will definitely hurt you.
"He can only be a victim of how his body is feeling, and if he's feeling 100 per cent, there's nobody that can stop him in his tracks completely."
GWS coach Leon Cameron backed Johnson's views on Ablett, and confirmed the Suns' skipper will command plenty of attention from his own onballers on Saturday afternoon.
"He's a superstar and has been for 10 years," Cameron said.
"People expect him to have 35 possessions and kick four goals every week.
"He's probably done that for nine and a half years, (then) he has a couple of games where he has 27 and kicks one goal.
"If my mids are having that every week, I'm pretty happy.
"They mark him really, really hard and we've got a huge challenge this week.
"(Aaron) Hall, (Gary) Ablett, (Dion) Prestia, they've got some talent going through there and there's no doubt they want to bounce back.
"We've got to make sure we win that midfield battle because if it's going the other way, we're in for a long day."
Johnson knows all about media criticism after being labeled selfish by several commentators after the GIANTS’ disappointing round one loss to Melbourne at the MCG, despite having 23 disposals and kicking two goals.
The 2007 Norm Smith medallist has responded well and kicked 18 goals from seven games this year, including 11 in his past three matches.
Johnson shrugged off the doubters, and said he accepts the good and the bad as all part of footy.
"When things aren't going your way the media is quick to pounce on you, and when things are going well you get a pat on the back," he said.
"I think I've been on record as saying I wouldn't have played on unless I felt I was capable of playing and having a positive influence on the team.
"In that regard I'm not surprised that I've strung some good games together, but it's a long year, so I'm not getting carried away." 
