Bomber names Ablett the‘ best I’ ve ever seen’

GEELONG coaching great Mark “Bomber” Thompson says a premiership in Gary Ablett’s final game would be a fitting end for “the best player I’ ve seen ”.

Thompson, who coached Able-tt to two flag sin 2007 and 2009, said he rated the Cats champ ahead of his famous father Gary Ablett Sr, North Melbourne great Wayne Carey and Hawthorn legend Leigh Matthews.

“I didn’t see everything of Leigh Matthews but I saw him up close, he was a great player, but I reckon Gaz is just cleaner and probably won more of the ball,” Thompson said. “He’s certainly had the longevity, he’s been highly successful and has won all of the awards .”

Ablett plays game 357 in the Grand Final at the Gabba on

Saturday night to complete a glittering 19-season career that has netted two Brown low medals, eight All-Australian jumpers, six best and fairests and five AFLPAM VPs.

“I think the ones from his peer group are probably the most special and most telling on how good a career he has had because umpires and media awards can sometimes get it wrong, but players know who the best player in the competition is,” Thompson said. “When I watch football and he’s playing the game, I still get excited when he goes near the ball.

“I never saw (Bob) Skilton or (Darrel) Baldock play but I just know that there are some people when they go near the ball they have an ability to get it all the time and he has that and he gets out of areas that he shouldn’t be able to get out of.”