WHEN HARRY MET GARY
ST MARY’S premiership defender Harry Ling says it was “a dream come true” to go up against former Geelong stars Gary Ablett Jr and Matthew Stokes.
The two-time GFL premiership winner, who is playing with St Mary’s in the Northern Territory Football League, shared the field with the pair on Friday night as they suited up for Palmerston in front of a packed crowd at TIO Stadium.
“All my mates were messaging me,” Ling, a Geelong supporter, said.
“It’s amazing to play against (Ablett) so they were all saying good luck and to have a good time.”
Palmerston may not have got the win but there was plenty of action and excitement when Ablett ran out in the Magpies’ black and white.
Territory crowds cheered the AFL all time great’s every move as he showed off some of the silky skills that helped him win two Brownlow Medals.
After the match, won by St Mary’s by 31 points, Ling said it had been an “awesome” experience.
“It was a privilege to play against them,” Ling, who has been working as a teacher aide in the Top End, said.
“It was a bit of a dream come true to play on (Ablett) and be in their presence.”
Ling has been a quality addition for the Saints down back, with the latest league stats rating him first for one percenters and spoils, second for rebound 50s and intercept marks, third for contested marks and fifth for ground ball gets.
He said he spoke to Stokes briefly during the game, who he had played against back in Geelong.
And the dependable defender said he caught himself a few times staring at Ablett during the game.
“It was a bit surreal, there were a few times when I looked around and saw him and thought: ‘Wow, you’re playing with The Goat’,” he said with a laugh.
“You can still see he has the skill.” Ling said he was loving the Territory experience so far this season, banking seven games for the Saints.
“It’s very different to Geelong,” he said. “It’s just so much fun, fast paced.”
GARY Ablett Jr has kept the door ajar for a return to Northern Territory footy following his debut with Palmerston on Friday night.
The 38-year-old showed flashes of the brilliance which won him two Brownlow Medals, but a second quarter calf injury gave away the great man’s two-year absence.
The two-time AFL premiership winner got involved as much as he could to will his new side on against reigning premier St Mary’s.
But it was not enough, with the Saints stamping their authority in the final quarter through three thrilling Dylan Landt goals to spoil the party and win 12.12 (84) to 7.11 (53) at a packed TIO Stadium.
After the match crowds rushed to meet the Little Master as he thanked his club and the Top End community.
“It was really good to come up here and I’m just so thankful to Palmerston for all they’ve done to organise this and support my family,” Ablett said. “We’ve really enjoyed our time here, would have been good to get the win, but really great group of guys that I got to train with and play with.
“I did my calf in the second quarter, so I won’t be back next week. I made sure to run out the game but the body is telling me it’s not up to this level of footy anymore.
“But I had a lot of fun, and who knows, maybe another game in the future.”