Former Essendon captain Tim Watson has sent the league an ominous warning about Gary Ablett’s progression with Geelong, saying he is blitzing the training track.
Ablett has made a fairytale return to the Cats, but doubts have risen about his effectiveness at the age of 33.
According to people close to the club, though, there is nothing to worry about. In fact, the dual Brownlow Medallist is reportedly looking sensational.
“My very good spy down Geelong way has told me that Gary Ablett has not only not lost anything, but he may be coming back to Geelong better than he has ever been before,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“He said he looked not just one class above everybody else on the field, but two classes above everybody else on the field, and some very good players were playing down there yesterday.”
Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield echoed those thoughts about Ablett earlier this week, while speaking to Fox Sports.
“I think Gary’s footy will do the talking,” he said.
“We’re very excited with what he’s going to bring. Write him off at your own peril, because I think he’s got a few points to prove.”
It is expected the eight-time All-Australian will spend majority of his time in the midfield, while playing closer to the goal square when necessary.
Ablett will go down as one of the AFL’s greats, but has suffered through a tumultuous last couple of seasons with the Gold Coast Suns.
The two-time premiership player has been drowned with injuries and trade rumours, somewhat hurting his image in the general public.
However, his on-field performances have still been elite, with Ablett averaging 33 disposals in 14 contests last season, winning the Suns’ best-and-fairest award for the fourth time.