HOW GAZ BATTLED TO 300 MILESTONE
SUPERSTAR REVEALS INJURY STRUGGLE
GARY Ablett has revealed he spent up to nine days off his legs with a calf injury before helping lift the Gold Coast Suns to a crucial win over North Melbourne in his 300th game.
In a match Ablett labelled one of the most special of his 16-year career, the dual Brownlow Medallist overcame a lack of run to record 37 disposals and 10 clearances to still be one of the best for the Suns in their 18.10 (118) to 14.15 (99) win over North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium.
Ablett hurt his calf in the club’s Round 13 loss to Carlton and had his milestone game delayed by a week after missing the team’s loss to St Kilda.
The 33-year-old revealed the impact the injury had on his preparation going into Saturday’s game, played in front of 12,779 people.
“I had a little nick in my calf after the Carlton game,” he said.
“I spent eight or nine days where I couldn’t really do anything and I was a bit sore going in. My first lot of running on the ground was Wednesday.
“I was doing a bit of crosstraining, obviously didn’t get up for the St Kilda game and then had to get two or three good solid sessions into my legs.
“It probably showed a little in the second half. I probably ran out of legs a little bit but I’ll be better for the run.”
Ablett was met by many friends and family in the sheds after the win, including partner Jordan and brother Nathan.
Gold Coast broke out to a 40-point lead just before halftime on the back of their ability to lock the ball inside their forward 50m but allowed North Melbourne to get within three goals late before holding on to win.
Ablett said it was Gold Coast’s skill execution that proved the biggest difference.
“We gave them a couple of easy goals, missed kicks that we should have hit and we probably over handballed it at times as well so we have to continue to work on that,” Ablett said.
“I think that area of the game will see huge improvement as we practice it on the field under that type of pressure.”
Gold Coast are now 6-8 and sitting 12th on the ladder, one win away from eighth-placed Sydney Swans who have won their past four games and seven of the past eight.
The Suns play the Swans in Sydney on Saturday.
Ablett said making better decisions while the heat was being put on them would be the key to Gold Coast’s fortunes at the SCG as they fight to keep their finals hopes alive.
“Sydney are a great pressure side and we need to make sure we make good decisions next week,” Ablett said.
“They are in good form and it will be a good test for where we are at.”