ABLETT INJURY SCARE INVADERS GROUNDED

In the opening minutes of the last game of his 18-year career, Gary Ablett was devastated after a Trent Cotchin tackle left him with an injured shoulder. In significant pain, Ablett was taken off the ground in the arms of trainers. Despite what initially seemed to be a game-ending injury, the 36-year-old re-emerged from the rooms before returning to the field later in the first quarter — attracting joyful applause from Cats fans in the Gabba crowd. But disaster struck again, another knock in the third quarter in the Cats’ goalsquare leaving Ablett clutching his troubled left shoulder again. Despite the pain, Ablett continued to fight until the end, although the 357-gamer didn’t get his fairytale finish.

TWO pitch invaders are set to cop some serious fines after halting the game in the first quarter. The pair’s antics were brought to a swift end in front of the Gabba’s 29,707 fan after being swarmed by security guards. According to reports, the offenders were comedy duo Marty and Michael, who have 1.2 million followers on Instagram.

CLARK SPRINTS HOME

He did not feature in the Cats‘ Grand Final team, young midfielder and Addy columnist Jordan Clark landed a piece of glory, winning the Grand Final Sprint. The 20year-old beat St Kilda’s Brad Hill and Port Adelaide’s Xavier Duursma in a tight finish to the traditional event.

CUP SURFS IN

IN true Queensland style, the premiership cup arrived on a surfboard delivered by surf lifesavers. Club reps Ash Barty (Richmond) and Ian Nankervis (Geelong) then posed with the cup, later delivered by Barty to Tigers coach Damien Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin.

PAINFUL NIGHT FOR DUO

IT wasn’t a night for the faint hearted, with two sickening collisions resulting in two players being carried off on stretchers. Tiger Nick Vlastuin lasted only minutes, while Cat Sam Simpson was concussed in the final term following a bit of friendly fire.