Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett is certain to cause some headaches for the Brisbane Lions’ coaching staff, as they try to find a way to nullify the influence of arguably the game’s best player.

Ablett proved the difference in the Suns’ Round One win against Richmond, with his 41-disposal and two-goal effort doing no harm to his chances of winning a third Brownlow Medal.

He was relatively well held last Saturday against Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley – with 24 touches, six tackles, and eight clearances (modest by his standards) – but showed that even his ‘quiet’ games can be quite damaging.

While Lions tagger Andrew Raines has traditionally been handed the role on Ablett in previous QClashes, full-back Daniel Merrett hinted that Tom Rockliff might be given the unenviable task this time around.

“I’m sure someone in the midfield will have that match-up, although it won’t be tagging or anything,” Merrett said.

“It could be (Tom) Rockliff. That’s what you want to do as footy players, put yourself up against the best. The challenge is there for the midfield.

Rockliff is no stranger to going head-to-head against the competition’s best, after matching up against Hawthorn premiership Captain Sam Mitchell in Round One.

In an entertaining duel, Mitchell was held to just 21 disposals while Rockliff managed 19 possessions and, more importantly, three goals.

Unfortunately an off-the-ball incident ultimately saw the Lions’ 2011 Club Champion suspended for one match, however he’s set for a return this Saturday against the Suns.    

“It will be good to have Tommy Rockliff back. He’s our match-winner and is our Gary Ablett,” Merrett said.