New club but same injury woe for Ablett

GARY Ablett could head into Geelong’s blockbuster season opener against Melbourne without a pre-season game under his belt after his latest hamstring setback.

Geelong yesterday confirmed the superstar midfielder strained a hamstring in match simulation training last Thursday.

The Cats were hopeful the problem was only tightness, but scans over the weekend showed the dual Brownlow Medallist had suffered damage to the muscle.

While Ablett, 33, was never in line to play in the first JLT pre-season game against Gold Coast in Townsville on Sunday, the latest soft tissue drama has put him in doubt for the second JLT pre-season game against Essendon in Colac on March 11.

It means the father-son gem will have to rely on intra-club form to find touch before stepping out against the Dees in round one.

The Cats yesterday said the hamstring tweak was only minor and are certain their recruit will line up against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday March 25.