Top-line duo Steven Motlop and Jimmy Bartel will return to strengthen the Geelong lineup for Sunday’s AFL clash against Gold Coast at Simonds Stadium.

Motlop has served a one-match club ban for drinking alcohol three days before the season opener against Hawthorn, while Bartel has recovered from the bout of concussion which saw him miss last weekend’s home loss to Fremantle.

Cats coach Chris Scott has confirmed that ruckman Dawson Simpson will be omitted for the game against the Suns.