Gary Ablett managed just six games last year in a season decimated by injuries.
The skipper’s initial comeback from a shoulder reconstruction in the early stages of 2015 was short lived, lasting two games before he was placed on ice for the next three months.
When Ablett finally returned in round 14 against North Melbourne, he was back to his scintillating best. 31 disposals, 11 clearances and three goals against the Kangaroos reminded fans exactly what the little master was capable of.
The 31-year-old backed that performance up with 30 touches against the Western Bulldogs in Cairns, followed by another 30 disposals against GWS and a club-record 17 tackles.
Football fans around the country were salivating at what they were seeing, but round 17 saw Ablett limp off Adelaide Oval with a grade two tear to his medial ligament, ending his injury-ravaged season for good.
After a big pre-season at Metricon Stadium over the summer, Ablett will make another long-awaited comeback to the football field, this time against Essendon on Saturday for round one of the 2016 AFL premiership season.
READ: Your complete round one team
There have been whispers among some of the footballing fraternity Ablett is past his best, but write the dual Brownlow medallist off at your own peril.
Coach Rodney Eade expects to see his captain at his best come Saturday, despite Ablett not featuring in the NAB Challenge series.
“I think you’ll see the Gary of old,” Eade told United Coaches Chat on Thursday afternoon.
“He’s had a really good pre-season. Obviously had that little hiccup for about three or four weeks but he was still able to get some cross training in during that period but his form on the track the last couple of weeks has been terrific.
“So I think him getting back in the midfield and being right for round one is a real plus for us, but it’s certainly a plus for him and he’s looking forward to it.”
