Ablett ready to soldier on
GARY Ablett appears to have shelved thoughts of an early retirement and says now he has returned to form he hopes to play on beyond his current deal.
On the eve of his 300th game against St Kilda on Sunday at the MCG, Ablett said the key factors that contributed to his longevity in the game had not deserted him.
“There’s obviously the two parts to it. There’s the Godgiven ability, and then its making the most of that,’’ he said.
Last November, shortly after it was revealed the twotime Brownlow medallist had requested a trade from the Suns, Ablett admitted he could not guarantee he would play on beyond this year.
He had managed 35 of a possible 66 games over the previous three seasons and had three consecutive seasons ended prematurely by injury.
His major concern was the consequences of ageing.
“I think that was the challenge, especially going down at the age I did,” he said.
“I would have been 30 or 31 when I had my first shoulder reconstruction.”
“And to miss so much football at that age I knew it was going to be a challenge to get back to the level I know I can play.
“But at the same time, I knew if I put in the work I would get there eventually.’’
Ablett spoke repeatedly during his rehabilitation of his absolute belief that if he could return to full fitness he would be able to recapture his very best form.
However, he has approached top form this season and would have been among the votes in matches against Hawthorn (twice), North Melbourne, Geelong and West Coast.