Suns’ likely price for Ablett too rich for Geelong

GEELONG coach Chris Scott says a fairytale move for Gary Ablett from Gold Coast back to the Cats to finish his AFL career is “impossible” as the situation stands.

Ablett, who won his fourth club champion award at the Suns on Saturday, has expressed his desire to play for Geelong in 2018 for family reasons. The 33-year-old is contracted for next season, but has not ruled out retirement if he does not get his wish.

Gold Coast management have maintained they will hold Ablett to his contract.

If they do relent, they will play hardball in any trade deal- ings with the Cats, who would most likely need to send a player – whose salary they would pay next year – and/or draft picks to the Suns.

Scott has said previously he would like to see dual Brownlow medallist Ablett rejoin the club he played 192 games for and won two premierships with, he just can’t see how that actually happens given the asking price.

“If the obstacles I’m hearing are correct and factual then they’re too great,” Scott told the Nine Network yesterday.

“I think we’ve been consistent on that, but there’s always room for things to change.

“But if some of the obstacles that have been articulated are true, then it’s just impossible.”

Scott and recruiting manager Stephen Wells will have a large say in how the issue unfolds during the trade period.

The final decision will lie with outgoing football manager Steve Hocking, who was appointed the AFL’s head of football operations.

Ablett was crowned Gold Coast’s club champion despite playing 14 games this season.

The 302-game veteran said he needed time to think about his next career move.

“I haven’t made a decision around my future,” he said.