Gaz pulls out of Irish Test matches
GEELONG recruit Gary Ablett has pulled out of the international rules series against Ireland.
The 33-year-old was part of the original squad named last month but withdrew yesterday citing personal reasons.
The Cats will still have two Australian representatives, with midfield superstars Patrick Dangerfield and skipper Joel Selwood set to go, while Zach Tuohy will line up for Ireland.
The two-Test series starts on Sunday and would have provided Ablett with his first chance to play under Geelong coach Chris Scott, who will lead the Australians with brother Brad and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon.
It would also have been the first time Ablett played alongside Dangerfield, who will reunite with his close mate, Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane, this week.
The Ablett family was heartbroken in the days before the two-time Brownlow medallist was traded back to the Cats after the sudden death of Gary junior’s sister, Natasha.
Ablett has recently been in the US on a basketball tour and yesterday caught up with Selwood and premiership teammates Jimmy Bartel and Tom Hawkins at the Melbourne Cup.
The first Test on Sunday will be played at Adelaide Oval.
Perth’s Domain Stadium will host the series decider on Saturday, November 18.