Suns quiet on Gaz
THE Suns are happy to remain in the dark on the future of superstar Gary Ablett as they prepare to go into the off-season without any clear idea on what their biggestname player will do.
Gold Coast chairman Tony Cochrane says the club has not spoken to Ablett about his plans beyond 2017 or sought assurances from him that he will see out his contract that finishes at the end of the 2018 AFL season. “No not at all,” he said. “We will have that conversation at the end of the (current) season.”
Speculation has been rife about Ablett’s potential move back to Geelong since it was revealed earlier this year that he requested a trade to the Cats at the end of 2016.
Ablett hasn’t ruled out doing the same this year or even retiring and the 33-yearold has now put his Gold Coast home on the market for the second time this year. Gold Coast have two games left and Ablett won’t play the Suns’ final game at Metricon Stadium this Saturday against Essendon due to a hamstring injury.
The Suns have held firm all year on their desire to keep Ablett in Queensland, saying he is a contracted and required player for the club that won’t be doing any farewell for him this weekend.
“It is not his last game because he’s contracted for 2018, so let’s hope he keeps playing,” Suns CEO Mark Evans told media this week.
Former home Geelong have seemingly grown cold on their interest in bringing him back to the club throughout the season.
Interim senior coach Dean Solomon said he believed Ablett was still heavily invested in the Suns.
Solomon pointed to the star’s desire to help conduct coaching meetings with the club’s first to four-year players in the lead up to Saturday’s match against the Bombers.
“I have had no inkling or been privy to any conversations around his future,” Solomon said.
“My understanding is he is contracted next year and we are excited to have him here.
“His last seven or eight days at the football club have been impeccable. He is contracted here next year and we are looking forward to having him on board.”