Former Geelong defender Tim McGrath expects star midfielder Gary Ablett’s return to the Cattery could last as long as three years.
Despite the dual Brownlow Medallist now being firmly in the twilight of his career at the age of 33, McGrath says that Ablett’s impressive physical condition has him set to play for at least the next two years should he stay fit.
“I was lucky enough before Christmas to do a small function with Gary and he absolutely looked fantastic,” McGrath told SEN Afternoons.
“He’s really healthy and he was relaxed and looking really forward to get stuck into training and his body was in really good shape.
“If he’s in good nick, he could play at least two or three years I would have thought. Whether that be in the midfield or in a forward pocket, he is going to be dangerous anywhere he plays.
“If everyone is fit and well Round 1, I’d be very surprised if the Geelong midfield isn’t Zac Smith, (Paddy) Dangerfield, (Joel) Selwood and Ablett for the first bounce of the year. That would get everyone talking and everyone pretty excited.”
McGrath also believes Geelong’s acquisition of former Essendon and Western Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri has been overlooked, believing 29-year-old adds a new dimension to the Cats.
“If he can get his body right and is fit, he is the real missing link that Geelong hasn’t had in a long time,” he said.
“He’s really good aerobically. He’s strong and uses his body well – a Tom Lynch-style that can get up the ground and win the ball at half-back, push through the midfield and push hard forward to make his defender try and go the other way.
“There’s not been much spoken about him but for a long time I’ve rated him very highly as a player.”
Crameri has only played two senior games in the past two years, having missed the entirety of the 2016 season due to a WADA-imposed suspension for his involvement in Essendon’s supplements saga, while a hip injury kept him on the sidelines for the majority of 2017.
Geelong kick off their 2018 season against Melbourne on Sunday March 25.
Listen to Tim McGrath chatting with Darren Berry on SEN Afternoons in the player below: