Ablett’s painful season

GARY Ablett’s agent has revealed the Geelong champion carried a number of injuries in the second half of the year, including a broken bone in his hand and serious elbow ligament problem.

The banged-up dual Brownlow medallist was also restricted by a groin issue.

The Geelong Advertiser on Monday revealed Ablett carried a foot injury into the finals after he was seen limping in a moon boot at the BFL grand final on Saturday.

Ablett’s manager, Liam Pickering, yesterday said Ablett’s defensive work had been “unfairly” targeted.

“He was carrying some significant injuries towards the end (of the season),” Pickering said on SEN. “He had an elbow ligament problem halfway through the year.

“His shoulder is fine but he had this elbow ligament which is a serious issue, he broke his hand against Hawthorn, a broken bone in his hand, and (was) carrying a groin, I think.

“I think he gets unfairly talked about his defensive stuff, when there’s opportunity to tackle, he’ll tackle.

“I thought he tried really hard. Talking about the big three in the midfield, I thought they tried their backsides off.”

The Cats repeatedly played down the severity of Ablett’s elbow woes throughout the season.

Pickering confirmed Ablett would see out his contract at Geelong in 2019, playing a similar midfield role including spurts forward and behind the ball.