Gary Ablett is undeniably the best player of his generation. In becoming the first player to make eight consecutive All-Australian teams, his case for the title of greatest AFL player ever is strengthened.
But should he have made the team this year?
It’s almost a blasphemous premise. He was so good that he was selected as starting rover. A couple of points to consider though.
Ablett only played 15 games this season. That’s significantly less than Luke Parker (22), Callan Ward (20) and Dayne Beams (19), all of whom were stiff to miss selection.
Also consider the Supercoach points comparison. It’s too simplistic to argue a player’s worth based on one stat but the aggregates of each player gives some sort of indication of how much they contributed to their team for the season.
Parker finished with 2,386 points, Ward with 2,255, Beams with 2,195 and Ablett with 2,050.
Looking at averages, Ablett is clearly out in front. That serves as proof there is at least some validity in using Supercoach points to judge midfielders, because Ablett is clearly better than Parker, Ward and Beams.
But the AA team should include the players who have contributed more than anyone else this season.
It could easily be argued that Ablett had a better season than Parker, Ward and Beams. Gold Coast lost six of its last seven games when Ablett was out. Clearly both his footballing ability and leadership had a massive impact on the young team.
Ultimately though, Parker’s contribution, playing 100 per cent of the season, was better than Ablett’s, who played just under 70 per cent.
However Ablett was better than Ward and Beams and should remain in the team. Not as the starting rover though.
The two wingmen Nathan Fyfe (18 games) and Dyson Heppell (21) had better seasons, purely because they had more chances to play well. Jordan Lewis (21 games) was mighty in an injury-ravaged season for the Hawks.
Ablett on the wing, Lewis as starting rover and Heppell on the bench would be more fair than the current team.
Picking Ablett in the starting 18 in an AA team despite a season curtailed by injury recognises just how insanely good he is, while giving Lewis the spot he deserves in the centre square.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I think you are trying to make something out of nothing with this article. Garry is second favourite with the bookies for the Browlow, despite only playing 15 games. I think that's good enough to have him as rover and I don't think to many people are going to disagree with that assessment. He is the best player in the game and probably the best ever when we reflect on it in 10 years time.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I didn't mind the AA this year. After last year, when it was a bit of a lifetime achievement award, they picked a good side, with a lot of new players. I agree Luke Parker was stiff to miss out, but you can't axe Gaz to get him in. I don't think anyone really remembers what position a player is picked in anyway, just that they made All Australian that year. I wouldn't stress.
Brian
Guest
There isn't a rover anymore. Why can't they modernise the positions Key Position Backs 3 Small Running Backs 3 Inside Midfielders 5 Outside Midifelders 4 Rucks 2 Key Position Forwards 2 Small Pressure Forwards 3
TD
Guest
Really - would any club have anyone else as a starting rover if they had an option - also - more than parker and beams and anyone else is the tag factor - I watched a game at the gold toast this year when they beat geelong carts and yeeeah ablett was tagged and hit (off the ball) unmercilessly - oh my
Ash
Roar Rookie
Just need to established a minimum amount of games played to qualify if it's 15 then he's in if not out.