HIGH FIVES
Ablett says Suns ready to click just like his old Cats did
GARY Ablett believes Gold Coast are close to “clicking” just as Geelong did before they went on a run of three AFL premierships in five years.
The dual Brownlow medallist threw his support behind out-of-contract coach Rodney Eade and said he wasn’t fazed by the stinging criticism lev- elled at him after Round 2 when the Suns lost to the Giants by 102 points.
Ablett will play against the Cats this week with speculation rife that he will again request a trade back to his former club at the end of the season.
But the champion wouldn’t be drawn on his future after recently revealing he could retire with a season to run on his lucrative contract with the Suns.
Ablett, 32, returned to his scintillating best with a 45disposal masterclass on Saturday night and was a big mover in Brownlow markets.
The 13-point loss to North Melbourne left Gold Coast 2-4 – but Ablett said the club’s future was bright.
“We’re not getting the results in terms of wins but I don’t think we’re too far away,” Ablett said.
“I can remember what it was like back at the Cats in 2006 – we had a really disappointing season and missed the finals – and then it just clicked.
“I feel the same here, that we’re not too far away.”
Ablett said Eade was doing “a great job” in his third season at the helm of the Gold Coast club.
“I think he’s implemented the right drills at training. We’re training the right way,” he said.
Ablett and Eade lashed Gold Coast’s ball use but were proud of the young line-up’s effort against the Kangaroos in Melbourne.
The Suns added four top-10 draft picks last November and their spine is taking shape with captains Tom Lynch and Steven May starring at either end.
Eade should welcome back May, David Swallow and Rory Thompson from injuries against Geelong with Trent McKenzie, Pearce Hanley to follow.
Eade has called for patience. “People are saying other teams are young but we’re younger,” he said.
“I think the expectation is because we’ve been in the competition for six years (but) maybe we’re having a second coming.
“That’s fine. Internally we know what the expectations are.”
Eade said the Suns went too young with their side in the 102-point loss to GWS in Round 2, which sparked debate about Ablett.
Giants forward Devon Smith told May after the final siren that he knew from experience fortunes could change quickly.
Ablett said his performance against the Giants was “blown up into a bigger thing that what it was”.
“I felt Round 1 I put in a decent performance,” he said.
“Obviously it wasn’t the greatest performance against GWS but that’s the past now and we move forward.”
The champion said facing the Cats at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night would not prove a distraction.
“It’s always fun running out against my old teammates,” Ablett said. “We all play hard against each other and there’ll be no friends out there.
“But as soon as we walk off the field we’ll shake hands and it’s always good to catch up.”