Sceptics silenced as Ablett fits right in

GEELONG says Gary Ablett has won over the doubters who believed he had returned to the club for the wrong reasons.

And the club continues to hold out an open invitation to Gary Ablett Sr to watch games live as his son today notches 200 games at the club.

Ablett Jr was heavily criticised at the Gold Coast, with some pundits last year believing he was simply desperate to get out of the Suns at any cost.

But Geelong’s hierarchy has been wowed by his selflessness, team ethic and determination to play any role that helps Geelong win a flag.

He will play his 200th game at Kardinia Park against North Melbourne, with manager Liam Pickering believing he has enough seasons in him to reach his dad’s 242 games at Geelong.

Geelong president Colin Carter said the club was thrilled with the way he had integrated back into the club.

“He came back for the right reasons. There might have been questions in some people’s minds but he has been terrific around the club and he is playing his role,” Carter said.

“He is supportive of the younger players, he has fitted in well, it has just been terrific. Anyone who was sceptical or unsure has been won over completely.”

Ablett said in the preseason he would love to see his father more involved at the club that made him famous.

“I’m really hoping over the next couple of years my dad can get a bit more involved with the football club,’’ he said. “I’m not too sure, whether it’s as a forwards coach or just coming along to more games and spending that time with the guys.”

But Gary Sr has not been back at the club in any capacity this year despite the invitation. Carter said the club always welcomed the man who was nine times the club’s leading goalkicker.

“Gary will largely shepherd that through when it happens. It’s not as if there aren’t natural pathways for it to happen. We won’t force the issue,” Carter said.

“He hasn’t been to any functions I have been to, but he is a pretty shy bloke. Absolutely he is welcome. He is a legend and we all have great memories of what he did for us.”

Ablett said this week he was chuffed he and his father would be the first father-son pair to each play 200 games at the club.