Plenty left in Gaz tank

GARY Ablett’s manager, Liam Pickering, says the superstar midfielder can extend his dazzling career by as many as four seasons.

And Pickering confirmed the dual Brownlow medallist would accept a pay cut if he wanted to join Geelong, saying “financially it wouldn’t be an issue at all”.

Ablett, 33, will meet with Pickering early next week where they are expected to discuss a move to the Cattery after seven seasons at Gold Coast.

He is contracted to the Suns for one more season but he has suggested he will retire from if a deal cannot be struck.

The brilliant ballwinner is keen to move home to be closer to family in Victoria.

Pickering was tight-lipped on Ablett’s intentions but said the eight-time All-Australian was still a midfield weapon who had as many as 90 more AFL games in him.

“I would have thought he could play for another three or four years,” he said.

“He won a best and fairest this year on 13 or 14 games, and his games are unbelievable.

“He will poll 20 votes in the Brownlow, he had a terrific season.

“He will eventually play more forward . . . but he is still a midfielder.”

The Suns have vowed to play hard ball in any trade deal, prompting Cats coach Chris Scott to concede it was going to be hard to satisfy the Suns.

Gold Coast will likely want a top-30 pick, quality player/s or some cash.

Pickering said if Ablett requested a trade, the franchise club could should be satisfied his client has made an enormous contribution.

“I don’t think he could have done much more,” he said.

“He’s had some injuries, but he’s won four best and fairests, and is the only Brownlow medallist in the club’s history, an All-Australian captain.

“You can go through the achievements, plus singlehandily he won a lot of games for the Gold Coast, so I think he held his end.”

Ablett asked for a trade last year but was knocked back.

Pickering said family would again be at the front of Ablett’s mind.

“Family is a factor, especially for Gary, because he’s very close to his family,” he said.

Geelong has pick No.20 and No.33 in the draft but is also keen on Western Bulldog Jake Stringer and Greater Western Sydney small forward Devon Smith.

The departure of free agents Daniel Menzel and Steve Motlop could secure a secondround compensation pick to boost efforts to land Ablett.