‘Like’ it or lump it, Ablett’s a true star
GEELONG coach Chris Scott says Cats champion Gary Ablett is unfazed by the jeers he cops from the crowd after producing “a pretty special game” yesterday.
Ablett was caught up in the Israel Folau social media controversy and last week explained why he initially “liked” the rugby star’s anti-gay religious post.
But the Brownlow medallist responded in fine fashion yesterday, producing one of his best games since joining the Cats last season to help pip Hawthorn by 23 points.
Ablett, who slotted three goals and took a spectacular high mark, was booed throughout the match by Hawthorn fans, but Scott said it had little impact on the superstar goal kicker.
“Good players get booed, it seems to be a trend,” Scott said.
“I don’t think anyone really likes it, do they? But does anyone really care that much? Gaz doesn’t.
“It just kept going and going and when you boo players and they keep getting the ball, keep booing them, (because) it’s working.”
Teammate Patrick Dangerfield said: “You can boo him as much as you like when he is kicking goals on the outside of his foot from 50m.
“The real good ones feed off it and Gary did today.”
Scott said he spoke to Ablett about the Folau saga for about 30 seconds and urged people to get over the issue. Ablett distanced himself from the Folau slur last week, saying he loves all people.
“His post, if that is what it is called, was shown to me and if he said ‘I love all people’, I think that says it, doesn’t it?” Scott said.
“As a society, we have got to stop hanging people who misspeak. You can keep trying to make a story of it if you like, but I think you are being disingenuous if you do that.”
The Cats now sit atop the table after five rounds and could regain gun defender Zach Tuohy for Sunday’s clash against reigning premier West Coast in Geelong.
Brandon Parfitt hurt his quad early and is in doubt for the clash.
Essendon great James Hird yesterday said on Triple M the Cats were the team to beat for the premiership.
Ablett has fired in his new forward role so far this season and Scott said he had exceeded expectations for a veteran player.
“Gary Ablett’s contest for a 35year-old, it was a pretty special game,” Scott said.
“He rarely got the ball giftwrapped. He had to win it and he just looked dangerous all the time.
“We can’t control what other people think, but sometimes the reputation precedes them. We think he is giving us great value.
“We never said he will go and slaughter the competition and win us a premiership.”