It should be a time of rejoicing for Gary Ablett Jnr. Late last week it was confirmed that he would leave the Gold Coast Suns and return to his boyhood club next season: the Geelong Cats.
The club where he and his father both scaled extraordinary heights – and where no doubt he will again having left six years ago. But on this most joyous of weeks he has been hit by family tragedy, with the sudden death of his sister Natasha in Melbourne.
So when he should be celebrating he is instead mourning at his sibling’s funeral. Bizarrely, one event played a part in the other. Before Natasha’s untimely death, Suns CEO Mark Evans had been talking tough about holding on to Ablett.
But once the news about Ablett’s personal loss had surfaced, Gold Coast’s resistance melted away. The deal was tied up in a day.
“We respect and understand the circumstances of Gary’s decision,” said Evans striking a conciliatory tone. “And wish Gary and Jordan (Ablett’s partner) all the very best in the coming years and look forward to welcoming them both back to our club in the years to come.”
Ablett had tried to return to Geelong last year, but the Suns blocked the move. Tragically, one of the main reasons Ablett cited in wanting to mke the 1,700km move back to his home town last season was family issues.
It’s pointless now to speculate on whether Gary Jnr’s presence closer to his sister may have made a difference. She is gone and the family is devastated.
AFL’s trade deals are modelled on the NFL system so as part of the deal, Geelong received Ablett, pick 24 in this year’s national draft and Gold Coast’s fourth-round pick in 2018.
Welcome home, Gaz.
We’ve missed you. #TheReturn pic.twitter.com/5J7xosyoVM
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) October 19, 2017
The Suns received the Cats’ pick 19 (compensation for free agent Steven Motlop) and also handed over their second-round pick in next year’s strong national draft. The Cats were understandably thrilled to bring Ablett home.
“It was good that Gary ended up joining Geelong” said Cats list manager Stephen Wells. “The Gold Coast have done what they said they would do and tried to help Gary get back to Geelong. “We’ve given up a bit … but it is a great story.”
Or it would be, if not for the underlying tragedy. Ablett for his part has not said anything and the family has asked for privacy at such a difficult time.
Often this is not respected in the cut throat world of the Australian sporting media, but in this instance word is journalists are giving both Ablett Snr and Jnr a wide berth.
Moving away from the personal dimensions of the story, Ablett’s return is great news for the Cats. Geelong went close this season, losing to the Crows in the preliminary finals.
But with Ablett, who has played 302 AFL games over a 16-season career, joining fellow superstars Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood at the Cattery, they should now form the most formidable midfield in the competition.
It may be enough to extend their season an additional week and even capture a first flag since 2011. It could have been a good move for the Suns too, as Ablett’s departure freed up salary cap space, but their trade activity has been just as misguided as recent seasons.
Brisbane Lions great Mal Michael was so bemused by the Suns trade period he quoted tennis legend John McEnroe on Twitter: “You cannot be serious.”
The triple premiership-winning full-back is among those baffled at a window which delivered wantaway Dockers youngster Lachie Weller, a 2018 first-round draft pick and fringe players Aaron Young and Harrison Wigg – but cost plenty.
Out the door went Adam Saad, Brandon Matera, a host of second round selections and, while it wasn’t all in the Suns’ control, Gary Ablett Jnr.
Former Hawthorn recruiter Gary Buckenara graded the Suns a ‘C’ in his trade wrap for Melbourne’s Herald Sun.
So the Suns have done right by Gary and his family but their playing prospects may have suffered.
