Gaz wows Cats with selfless team spirit

GEELONG says Gary Ablett has won over the doubters who believed he had returned to the club for the wrong reasons.

And the Cats continue to extend an open invitation to Gary Ablett Sr to get to games.

Ablett’s selflessness, team ethic and determination to play any role that helps Geelong has impressed the club’s hierarchy.

Against North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium today, Ablett (above) will play his 200th game for Geelong and his manager Liam Pickering says he has football left to reach his dad’s 242 games.

Geelong president Colin Carter said the club was thrilled with the way he had integrated.

“He came back for the right reasons. There might have been questions in some people’s minds, but he has been terrific around the club and he is playing his role,” he said.

“He is supportive of the younger players, he has fitted in well.

“Anyone who was sceptical or unsure has been won over completely.”

Ablett said pre-season he would love to see his father more involved at the club, but Gary Sr has not been back this year.

Carter said the club always welcomed the man who nine times was Geelong’s leading goalkicker.

“Gary will largely shepherd that through when it happens. We won’t force the issue,” he said. “Absolutely he is welcome. He is a legend.

“But he is a pretty shy guy.”