Gary Ablett of Geelong breaks the tackle of Brent Stanton of Essendon during the AFL Round 10 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at the Docklands Stadium. GSP Images
The pieces of the jigsaw seem to falling into their perfect positions, and each day it seems more likely that Geelong’s Gary Ablett Jr will move to the AFL’s new Gold Coast team. Consider this: his father, Gary Ablett Sr, one of the greatest players of all time, has moved to the Gold Coast.
His brother, Nathan, has also signed with the new team.
In addition to this, it was reported over the weekend that Ablett Sr had split from his girlfriend Lauren Phillips. As personal an issue as that is, it has added fuel to the fire.
The Gold Coast can also offer Ablett more money than he could get at Geelong under the current salary cap conditions. A multi-million dollar deal over, say, five years is surely an offer too good to refuse.
As the best player in the competition, he demands plenty.
Tony Lockett and Wayne Carey both left their clubs – albeit for different reasons – as champions of the AFL. Ablett Jr, currently, is a champion player.
But has he achieved what he can at Geelong? And is the offer from the Gold Coast simply too tempting to refuse.
Ablett Jr has two premiership medals, a Brownlow Medal and two best-and-fairest awards. He has been named in the All-Australian team the past three years.
In the eyes of the players, he has been the competition’s pre-eminent player for the past three seasons – winning the AFLPA Leigh Matthews Trophy.
Ablett Jr is the only player to win the award three times since it began in 1982. Given the fact it is voted on by his peers, it is an achievement which places him up there with the very best.
In the view of many, he was the best player on the ground in his team’s 2008 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn. His list of awards is long, and he will only add to it.
When Nathan and Gary Jr played in Geelong’s premiership-winning side of 2007, in front of Gary Sr in the stands, it was a family affair. We though both were destined to be at Geelong for an extended period.
Then Nathan lost interest in football, while Gary Jr has to weigh up whether to finish his career as a one club player.
We all know he loves Geelong. That won’t change if he leaves.
But if your father and brother moved interstate and you, as a champion footballer, were offered a large sum from a team based in that state, what would you do?
For now, the Geelong champion will focus on helping the Cats to a third flag in four years in 2010.
He might also view that as an appropriate end to a stunning career at Geelong.
smexy person
Guest
I think Ablett will go but if there is one thing that will turn him away is the media aspect. It has ben obvious that garry oesn't like ythe media attention from day one, and if he moves to GC he will be the face of the club, and this im not sure he will like, and may very well turn him away.
Redb
Roar Guru
To be fair, the author raised several other issues like the fact that he has climbed the mountain twice and the money on offer, but whatever. When a player like Mooney comes out in the press and says he understands I think it points to a conclusion that based on all the factors, Ablett would be crazy not to take up the GC offer. Redb
whatever
Guest
Nathan is flaky. Listing him as a reason for Gary to move is ridiculous. Nathan could play 3 games and then quit and Gary knows that. Gary Jr was raised mainly by his mother so his father moving to the Gold Coast again has little impact. An incredibly poorly written and researched article.
Annie
Guest
if he moves to the gold caost he's more safe then in Melbourne near me cause he annoys me soo Much!
bever fever
Guest
If anyone can understand it, that would be a good start, i am confused by who's who. Crows have far more of the market than Eagles do in another 2 team town, thats one thing that needs to be adressed. PA need to do something.
tommy
Guest
is there any chance of someone writing an article discussing the proposed 'merger' of port adelaide and the PAMFC. i'm sure it would be an interesting topic and would love to tackle it my self but feel i wouldn't get the whole picture, prehaps there is a port or sanfl fan that can write such an article.
Redb
Roar Guru
Many Geelong fans think he will go to the Gold Coast. Ran into a couple of Geelong club members at the day on the green on Saturday and both were adamant that Gary Ablett will definitely go and were not bitter about it, ie: "Who could blame him". Redb
Life long fan
Guest
I agree with forgetmenot it would be devastating if gazza left the club. He IS Geelong and I hope he would be mindful of the fact that he would dissapoint and devastate many fans if he were to go interstate. I hope he does'nt go people go week in and week out to the footy just to see him play and I think he knows this and would not like to dissapoint fans. At this stage I think the roumour mill is working overtime. W at this stage I would take all of this as the roumour mill working overtime
gazz
Roar Pro
He's got all his life to move to the GC to be around his family. I fancy he likes life at Geelong FC. And despite the split with his missus, I fancy they've both just got different things going on right now.
Forgetmenot
Guest
The difference with Ablett though, is that Geelong is hisfamily. He would have grown up being told stories about his fathers exploits by people, and watched his dad play. As a Geelong fan i would be devastated if he were to move.
Tifosi
Guest
He will go, not that he probably wants to, but The AFL need a "marquee" type player to promote the team. The AFL will give him enough of an incentive.
Sven man
Guest
A tough decision either way. I personally dont think he'll go, however it wouldnt surprise he if he did nor could I blame him. But I'm not A Geelong surporter. What sort of compensation would Geelong recieve if he did decide to leave?
Chris K
Guest
The only thing he has to lose is his reputation. If he were to move he would be seen as a traitor and also greedy. However if he decided to move to Western Sydney it would look like he moved because it was a challenge.
Matthew Stephen
Guest
Good article Luke. You raise some very good points that I think do lead to the conclusion that he could well be the GC captain in their debut season. I hope he stays in Geelong and your right he does love it but that may not be enough.
Mr Real Australian it's called Football Man formerly known as Kurt
Guest
Hmmm, very interesting. I must admit I didn't give much credence the thought Gary jnr would head to the GC, assuming he was happily settled in Geelong for the rest of his career. But you do make an interesting case Luke. For my money he'll still stay though, but maybe it'll be a close run thing.