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Gary Ablett Jr is the best player in the AFL, but can he become the first player since Robert Harvey in 1997-98 to win back-to-back Brownlow Medals? I believe that he can.
Ablett took his game to a whole new level in 2013. He got the disposals we’re used to seeing but the way he took over games was even better than we’d seen from him before.
In the first two years of his time in red and yellow, Ablett was performing week in, week out but the rest of his young teammates were merely passengers.
Season 2013 saw the rise of numerous teammates – most notably Jaeger O’Meara – which helped the team get wins, and that was the difference in Ablett’s Brownlow votes from the 2012 season.
In 2012, more often than not the opposition team had the top vote-getter simply because they won the game. Winning more games in 2014 will only help Ablett’s Brownlow campaign.
One of many advantages Ablett has over most players is that when he needs a rest, he goes forward – and snags goals – instead of sitting on the bench.
This was a huge trump card for Gold Coast last season, and I would think they will not shy away from doing more of it in 2014.
This move is made easier by the progress of Gold Coast’s young midfield group midfield.
The likes of O’Meara, David Swallow, Harley Bennell and Dion Prestia have all had solid pre-seasons to date and should be raring to go come Round 1.
Ablett racks up the possessions like few others; for the past five seasons he has averaged over 30 possessions per game every year.
You will rarely see him waste any of those 30 disposals either, especially when he is in the forward 50. When he sees the goals, his eyes light up.
One concern – as with most players reaching their thirties – is whether or not can he stay healthy.
Last year Ablett had to overcome a calf injury and earlier in his career he has had groin and hamstring issues too. Steering clear of injury is a huge key to his Brownlow defence.
As always, he will have plenty of competition from Joel Selwood, newly appointed Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Jobe Watson and up-and-coming stars like Nathan Fyfe, Patrick Dangerfield and Dustin Martin.
A healthy Ablett is the most damaging player in the AFL and when he turns on the afterburners no one can stop him.
I expect that to continue in season 2014.
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