Geelong Advertiser

Gaz pulls out of Irish Test matches

- LACHIE YOUNG

GEELONG recruit Gary Ablett has pulled out of the internatio­nal rules series against Ireland.

The 33-year-old was part of the original squad named last month but withdrew yesterday citing personal reasons.

The Cats will still have two Australian representa­tives, with midfield superstars Patrick Dangerfiel­d and skipper Joel Selwood set to go, while Zach Tuohy will line up for Ireland.

The two-Test series starts on Sunday and would have provided Ablett with his first chance to play under Geelong coach Chris Scott, who will lead the Australian­s with brother Brad and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon.

It would also have been the first time Ablett played alongside Dangerfiel­d, who will reunite with his close mate, Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane, this week.

The Ablett family was heartbroke­n in the days before the two-time Brownlow medallist was traded back to the Cats after the sudden death of Gary junior’s sister, Natasha.

Ablett has recently been in the US on a basketball tour and yesterday caught up with Selwood and premiershi­p teammates Jimmy Bartel and Tom Hawkins at the Melbourne Cup.

The first Test on Sunday will be played at Adelaide Oval.

Perth’s Domain Stadium will host the series decider on Saturday, November 18.

 ??  ?? Gary Ablett has withdrawn from internatio­nal rules series.
Gary Ablett has withdrawn from internatio­nal rules series.

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