Shoulder shatters Ablett

GARY Ablett Jr’s first shoulder injury cruelled his chances of reaching a potential premiership with Gold Coast in 2014 and another has overshadowed what could have been a fairytale finish to his glittering AFL career with Geelong.

The man dubbed the “son of God” in football seemingly didn’t have those above in his corner in the premiership decider at the Gabba on Saturday, injuring his shoulder minutes into the first quarter against Richmond.

The Tigers went on to claim a 12.9 (81) to 7.8 (50) win in what was the club’s third premiership in four years.

“I was on the bench when he went off,” former Suns teammate and current Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia said. “I thought he had hurt his wrist. I heard the crowd cheering when he ran back out there. It would have been pretty disappointing if he wasn’t able to finish his last game.

“He is an absolute champion. When he was walking off I think it was awesome to give him that send off.

“I sent him a message during the week to say how proud I was to play in his last game. He is an absolute champion and one of the best we will see.”

Ablett (inset) was attempting to dispose of the ball while being tackled to the ground by Tigers captain Trent Cotchin.

He was taken from the field clutching his arm as play was stopped at the same time after Richmond’s Nick Vlastuin was knocked unconscious by a Patrick Dangerfield elbow.

Ablett disappeared down the race but returned with six minutes left in the term. He once dreamt of leading a Suns team to a premiership.

Instead the 36-year-old was part of a Cats team totally outplayed by the Tigers.