GAZ HAS MORE TO GIVE

Third-round pick should seal Ablett’s Cats return, says Costa

FORMER Geelong president Frank Costa believes a third-round pick will be all the Cats have to give up for Gary Ablett if the Gold Coast midfielder seeks a trade home at the end of the year.

Ablett, who will play his 300th game on Sunday, has been linked to a move back to Simonds Stadium for some time, but made an official request to be traded at the end of last season.

Costa said given Ablett was nearing the end of his contract, a third-round pick should satisfy Gold Coast’s needs.

“I don’t think they’d have to give up a lot. I know this is the football department’s decision but I would think a third-round draft pick should do it,” Costa said.

“He’s at the end of his contract, he’s only got a year to go, so I think if they (Gold Coast) picked up a thirdround draft pick which went to a young fellow that should just about do it.

“I don’t think the money would be big at this stage either, but the club will work that out. They have a very responsible football department and they’ve done a great job with list management … they’re in good hands.”

Ablett put to bed any concerns his time in the game was nearing the end yesterday, saying he hoped he had some good years still ahead of him.

Costa said the two-time Brownlow medallist had at least two seasons left at the highest level.

“I certainly reckon he’d have another two (seasons) in him, maybe three,” he said. “Going on his father’s condition, and if his father didn’t hurt his knee, he was playing good football at that stage and he was physically such a powerful fellow and I think Gary has inherited a lot of that strength. Gary Jr, so long as his shoulder is right, would have a good two seasons in him I feel.

“He has had a wonderful career, he’s been a terrific member of our football team and our club all the way through. He has carried himself with great distinction and has been a terrific ambassador for Geelong all the way through.

“He’s doing a good job for the Suns up at Queensland and he’d like to come back. It would be a fairytale ending and we’d love to have him, but I don’t know what will end up happening. I just wish him all the best for his 300th and hope he finishes the season in good physical condition.”

Ablett is out of contract at the Suns at the end of 2018.