No slowing down Gaz
GARY Ablett might be every bit as good in 2018 as in his previous glory years as he prepares to return to the blue and white hoops.
At least that’s the view of new teammate Patrick Dangerfield after he watched dual Brownlow medallist Ablett go through his paces upon his return to Geelong.
Ablett will turn 34 this year and, after an injury-riddled past three years, some doubted whether the two-time premiership Cat could maintain the high level he had set throughout his 302-match career.
But Dangerfield said Ablett, who won Gold Coast’s best-andfairest last season despite managing only 14 senior games, was still looking very much the superstar.
“We had a training session last Friday and it was a bit wet down at Deakin University where we were training, and guys were slipping and sliding absolutely everywhere,” Dangerfield told SEN.
“And there’s Gaz, training in runners, I didn’t see him slip over once and no one could tackle him. He is just a freak of nature.
“I must admit I’m like a little schoolboy who’s just excited to play with a childhood hero and I think the majority of our list is in the same boat.”
Dangerfield was quick to reply when asked if he believed Ablett had lost any of his brilliance.
“Geez, he’s been pretty good if he’s lost something because (from) what we’ve seen so far, he’s just phenomenal,” he said.
“I guess that says a lot about him because he’s been better than everyone else out on the track so far.”
Dangerfield is likely to form a three-pronged midfield trio alongside Ablett and Cats skipper Joel Selwood.
Ablett could be used closer to goal, like his famous father was during the final years of his career, but Dangerfield said that wouldn’t necessarily be the case. Coach Chris Scott also declared recently: “We brought Gary in to be a midfielder”.
“We’re pretty excited about what he’ll do and what he’ll bring,” Dangerfield said.
“I think he’ll spend some time in the forward line but I think we’ll have the great man around the ball.”