Geelong coach Chris Scott says a fairytale move for Gary Ablett from Gold Coast back to the Cats to finish his AFL career is “impossible” as the situation stands.
Ablett, who won his fourth club champion award at the Suns on Saturday, has expressed his desire to play for Geelong in 2018 for family reasons.
The 33-year-old is contracted for next season, but hasn’t ruled out retirement if he doesn’t get his wish.
Gold Coast management have steadfastly maintained they will hold Ablett to his contract.
But if they do relent they will play hardball in any trade dealings with the Cats, who would most likely need to send a player – whose salary they would pay next year – and/or draft picks to the Suns to get a deal done.
Scott has said previously that he would like to see dual Brownlow Medallist Ablett rejoin the club he played 192 games for and won two premierships with – he just can’t see how that actually happens given the asking price.
“If the obstacles I’m hearing are correct and factual then they’re too great,” Scott told the Nine Network on Sunday.
“I think we’ve been consistent on that, but there’s always room for things to change.
“But if some of the obstacles that have been articulated are true then it’s just impossible.
“It’s not a matter of wanting to do it or not – it’s just impossible.”
Scott and recruiting manager Stephen Wells will have a large say in how the issue unfolds during the trade period.
But the final decision will be made by outgoing football manager Steve Hocking – who was recently appointed the AFL’s head of football operations.
Ablett was crowned Gold Coast’s club champion despite only playing 14 games this season.
The 302-game veteran told reporters at Saturday night’s ceremony he needed time to think about his next career move.
“I haven’t made a decision around my future,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot to weigh up and lot to think about and that will happen over the coming weeks.
“I’m looking forward to sitting down with family, getting away from the pressures of football and getting some answers on some questions I’ve got.”
The Gold Coast midfielder said that a decision would likely be reached within a month, although he concedes where goes from here is not entirely up to him.
Birdman
Guest
agree SFGC. Cats to pay his salary even if another team gets involved in a 3 way trade.
Larry1950
Guest
Has the guy spent any of his down time on the Gold Coast, from what I've seen, he's gone back to Victoria the minute he finishes a season or when the club has a bye. Talk about FIFO employees!
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
Suns are not going to pay anything to Ablett if he leaves the Club. The Club that he wants to go to is going to have to stump up a player plus wages of Ablett. The Suns do not need to do anything other than wait for an appropriate offer. Ablett has only himself and his manager to blame when they were demanding a 3 year deal at the end of 2015 (and the Suns only wanted to offer 2!)
Brayden Rise
Roar Pro
Claiming it is "impossible" is perhaps Chris saying to the Suns you have to pay half his remaining contract and then we can do a deal?
anon
Roar Pro
Caused drama at the Cats, was toxic at the Suns. I can see why Scott doesn't want him.
Raimond
Roar Guru
Ablett is going on like Adam Goodes: creating massive drama when he has maybe a dozen games left in him. Suns should do what the Giants did with Cam McCarthy.
Birdman
Guest
If the Suns can't get a good deal out of the Cats. they should see if there's any interest from other Vic clubs. Failing that keep Gazza to his contract for 2018.