Before I go too far into this article let me make one thing clear I am a Geelong supporter who has grown up watching the Ablett’s running around in the blue and white hoops for many years. However I also understand that as good as Ablett is, he is a midfield player who can be replaced. An Ablett defection may be the blessing in disguise that Geelong will need in 3 years time.
The verdict on the future of the number 29 for the Cats is still up in the air and is something I do not really wish to dwell on. If he stays, fantastic! But if he goes well then he goes. It will be disappointing, but Geelong supporters must look to the positives. The positive side is the new compensation that will be received by the cubs if an un-contracted player is to leave for either the Gold Coast or GWS.
Previously the clubs were in line to receive one draft choice for the loss of player no matter what his standing in the game. Now, however this has been revised so that if a deemed ‘top echelon’ player is recruited, the club will receive two first round draft choices. The first draft choice is taken directly after the clubs first selection in the draft while the second is placed at the midpoint of round one, after those clubs who missed the finals have their picks.
So essentially Geelong will have 3 first round draft choices available to them in the coming years given that they will (more than likely) at some stage begin to drop off. It is during the next rebuilding phase that Geelong can use these picks and build a stronger list.
Ablett is great but he is also an ageing player, he is currently 26 and in the prime of his football career. He will continue to be a good player but his superstar years are now and for maybe two more years, then he becomes a great player. He is on the verge of being one of the best players the club has had but if he leaves, he will be remembered for different things.
But legacy for Geelong could become something that lasts far into the future. The two first round draft picks could be used as trade options or to rebuild a list that can see the Cats at the top again and in less time than it would usually take. A new generation of 18 years olds to mix with the current batch of ageing stars is not the worst outcome for Geelong.
I rate Ablett highly but as I stated at the beginning he is a midfield player, one of the best yes but he is only a midfield player. If he was a key position player of the same caliber I would have greater concern but he is not. Geelong fans must look to the future if Ablett makes a move and not dwell in the past. An Ablett defection could see a silver lining for the Cats in the long term.
Tags: Gary Ablett
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Although he’s possibly the best midfielder in the game, Geelong has such talent in the middle that I don’t see him leaving making a massive difference. If Ablett leaves then there’s a whole host of super talented players who will step up and take that role. Yeah, he’ll leave a gap, and if he were in a less talented team it would be a massive gap. Not so in Geelong.
James, I think your are definitely underestimating the impact of Ablett leaving. Not only will it be 35 possessions a game, 1-2 goals & 1-2 goal assists that Geelong will need to find, it will mean Selwood will need to accommodate the best tagger from opposition. Yes he is a good player, but he has enjoyed more space, which will be a luxury when Ablett goes. With Bartell & Corey slowing down, I think Geelong will hurt considerably.
Ablett leaving? Pphff! Who needs players like that, I ask you! Dime a dozen!
Geeze, if he was playing for the Bombers and it looked like he was going to the GC would I care? ..er…um…errr..ummm..
Sob!
[...] *Gary who? Brent, a Cats fan, at Contested Footy is finally at the 7th stage of the grieving process – acceptance. [...]
love that line, 7th stage of the grieving process, classic.
Ive read a few of your articles now Brenta and I have to say I enjoy reading them, anything on footy or Geelong I will read.
I also think that Ablett going is no big deal, if he stays great he will have a legacy and play a few more great years…kinda like Robert Harvey but with more success, if he goes we arent going to miss his 35 possession game that much as someone else said. Thats football, there will be another player ready to step in and at a club like Geelong not too long before they are starring. Look at Taylor Hunt, he could step right in and looking at him he could be anything his so silky smooth and tough.
So Ablett going is nothing to stress about, I think judging by the way he looks so angry these days on the field might even be a good thing to the club to start afresh with no disharmony and id be surprised if he hasnt already signed with them. His done his job at Geelong, we got two premierships out of him, he should go enjoy the sunshine.
He would be great for the AFL to promote the game up in QLD, this in turn would favour a strong club like Geelong that knows how to work the system and ensure that they stay strong in the AFL, particularly if such a deal gives them a few high draft picks over the next important year or so and more room to pay the other guys who might otherwise f*&k off like Mumford did.
Anyway, i wont go on, come on Geelong keep fine tuning for the finals just like last year and then anything can happen and you know they all want to win it.
lol… at all the geelong supporters.
In one breath he’s the greatest midfielder, the next Geelong won’t miss him because they’re such a great team!!
Sorry guys but you remember that mob from over in the West that used to win a few games?? The Eagles I think they were called. How they travelling these days without that bald guy they USED to have.
lol. They also without Cousins and Kerr; they were the core of the midfield.
I concur with Aussie Jim and Craig on this matter – be careful not to underestimate what the loss of such a great player could do to Geelong. Particularly in 2011 when GFCs core band of stars are getting towards the end of their careers. It happened to West Coast who suffered immeasurably from the loss of match winners Cousins and Judd. Imagine, Ablet goes to GC and Bartel or Chapman gets injured – no matter how good you believe the rest of the Geelong team is they would struggle to make the top 6.
Hi Brent,
With both Gary Ablett and Mark Thompson leaving the Geelong Football Club at the end of last year, I think it is a blessing in disguise, as its a chance to make a change with new ideas and new opportunities. Especially while the club has a strong list.
Geelong was starting to rely to much on the brilliance of Gazza (and Chapman), so its a chance to develop a more team oriented game plan… after all a champion team will always beat a team of champions
All the best Scotty!!