Ablett proves his worth

Return to form complicates move to Cats

GARY Ablett’s return to the peak of his powers has complicated his mooted return to Geelong.

Ablett’s output reveals he is every chance to win a ninth All- Australian selection – what would be a VFL- AFL record.

The Bulletin understands the Suns are unlikely to accept a junk draft pick for Ablett and the overwhelming industry view yesterday was the situation differed to Hawthorn’s exiting champions last year.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson initiated the release of best- and- fairest Sam Mitchell for pick 88, whereas the Suns would prefer Ablett honoured his 2018 contract.

It is also unclear as to whether all the key players at the Cats want Ablett to return, where he would partner Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield in the game’s most decorated midfield.

Ablett, 33, is due to play his 300th game in Round 14 against St Kilda and despite a wave of harsh criticism he has rekindled top form.

Based on the current ladder order, Geelong holds picks 20, 34, 52, 70 and 88. Rivals believe the Suns would prefer to receive a quality player for Ablett, given they hold a strong draft hand. The Suns already hold five picks in the first two rounds – currently Nos. 5, 22, 23, 29 and 33 – and it was their clear preference last year to secure established talent.

A private issue is Ablett’s main reason for exploring a return to the Cats and he is also considering retirement at the end of this season.

Gold Coast refused Ablett’s trade request last year and then played hardball on Jaeger O’Meara, who was eventually sent to Hawthorn. “He’s still dominating, but you’re definitely not giving up a first or a second ( round pick),” one list manager said yesterday.

“It’s a funny one, isn’t it? It’s probably a third, even though he’s a superstar.”

Industry sources believe the Cats must decide how many games they could expect from Ablett and the difference he would make to their premier- ship hopes. If Geelong believes Ablett could play another two seasons, it might hope for 30 quality matches and perhaps another premiership.

Ablett’s premiership teammate Jimmy Bartel questioned on Channel 7 whether his hot form was making a potential trade trickier.

One club believed the Suns would be entitled to ask for a prized draft pick or gun player, given Ablett was yet to show any signs of declining and was still playing as a full- time midfielder.