Lang may smooth Ablett Cat switch

GEELONG midfielder Darcy Lang is considering a move to Gold Coast that would enable Gary Ablett’s return to the Cattery.

Lang, 21, has decided to leave the Cats and last night was considering joining the Suns after speaking to new Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew early this week.

Carlton and North Melbourne also have made strong plays for the 44-gamer.

Ablett, 33, has said he will retire from football if a deal cannot be struck with the Cats before tomorrow’s 2pm trade deadline. He indicated several weeks ago he would be prepared to take a significant pay cut to complete the move.

Ablett has earned about $1 million a season at Gold Coast, but could play for about half that at Geelong.

He and his family were devastated by the death of his sister Natasha last Friday.

A decision from Lang to join Gold Coast would trigger an emotional homecoming for Ablett after seven seasons at Gold Coast, including six as captain. The dual Brownlow medallist and eight-time All-Australian is confident of playing at least two more seasons.

If Lang opts for the Blues or Roos, the Cats would be forced to consider parting with a draft pick, such as No.35 or No.53, to satisfy the Suns. West Coast last year nabbed Sam Mitchell, 35, with the bargain pick No.88. Melbourne snared Jordan Lewis, 31, cheaply by shuffling down 11 spots in total in last year’s draft order.

The Cats almost certainly would not forego picks No.19 or No.22, having earmarked their first two selections for the national draft. The Cats value No.35 highly.

They have secured a batch of premiership stars around that mark, including Cameron Ling (No.38), Corey Enright (47) and Josh Hunt (44).