Decision on Ablett’s future likely to come this week: Pickering

DISCUSSIONS on whether Geelong champion Gary Ablett will play on in 2020 are likely to be held this week, with his manager backing him in to return for one final season.

Liam Pickering said his gut feel was that Ablett would don the blue-and-white stripes again next year but he hadn’t confirmed that with the 35year-old.

“I’m not sure because the weekend has just gone and he had Brownlow stuff to do yesterday,” Pickering said on SEN yesterday.

“His body is good, I don’t think there are any injuries or anything like that … I think with everything being right he could play another year.

“A guy of his experience, who has played as much footy as Gary has, if he reckons he can go around again he should.”

Pickering said that while official discussions between Ablett and the club hadn’t been held, Geelong had effectively handed the decision to the 18-year veteran earlier in the year.

“That was back a while ago now, so we need to have another chat this week no doubt,” he said. “We’ll speak to the club shortly.”

Pickering spoke after Cats coach Chris Scott said on

AFL360 that the club had spoken with Ablett on Monday.

Scott wasn’t sure if the twotime Brownlow medallist would return.

“If he decides, or even if he’s not sure, that he can do it, if he doesn’t quite have the belief that he can help us win a premiership next year, he should retire,” Scott said.

“That’s the decision that I think he’s coming to grips with. Now if he thinks he can do it, then we’ve got a bit to talk about and I look forward to that. I hope it’s that way.”

Ablett missed one week with suspension in 2019 but otherwise didn’t suffer any injury issues.

The 345-game veteran kicked 34 goals and averaged 20 possessions a game playing predominantly forward, enough to be named in the All-Australian extended squad.

Speaking before Friday’s preliminary final loss, Ablett refused to be drawn into his future and said he would look at his options after the season.

The prospect of Ablett playing a handful less games than the 24 he suited up for in 2019 was an option, according to Scott.

Pickering agreed but said he couldn’t see Ablett playing multiple games in the reserves next year.

“It wouldn’t happen … he’s too good of a player to not be in the (starting) 18 or the 22,” he said.

Pickering said Ablett might play 17 or 18 games next year.