The Gold Coast Bulletin

Ablett deal to happen with Cats

- TOM BOSWELL

SUNS midfielder Gary Ablett is all but certain to get his requested trade back to Geelong following the death of his older sister Natasha.

Gold Coast and Geelong are working to find a suitable deal to get the inaugural Suns captain back to the Cats where he can be closer to family.

Ablett has pointed to personal family issues as the reason to his desire to shift home over the past 12 months.

Gold Coast have remained confident that a deal could be reached with the Cats for Ablett throughout the trade period. As it stands the Suns are waiting for an appropriat­e time to open discussion­s with the Cats again following the Ablett family’s loss.

Gold Coast remain open to both picks and players for Ablett while Geelong list manager Stephen Wells has already ruled out Cats players Mitch Duncan, Nakia Cockatoo and Jake Kolodjashn­ij being part of a trade.

Cats forward Steven Motlop was also in the mix to join Gold Coast in a separate deal but has accepted an offer to join Port Adelaide.

It may still benefit the Suns as Motlop’s confirmed move gives Geelong pick 19 in the draft and more salary cap space to fit Ablett on their list.

With Motlop’s signing confirmed it also allows Geelong to shift their concentrat­ion on getting the Ablett deal done.

Ablett returned from holidaying in the Maldives with wife Jordan last weekend and was on the Gold Coast in the days following before visiting the Sunshine Coast to see friends.

If you or someone you know is experienci­ng personal problems contact Lifeline on 131 114.

 ??  ?? AFL star Gary Ablett.
AFL star Gary Ablett.

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