There is more to Gary Ablett than meets the eye.
Yes, he is a once-in-a-generation type player whose individual and team achievements have pinned him as one of our game’s most decorated champions.
He owns a highlights package unlike any other player in the AFL, and produces sublime moments on the football field in the same way his father, Gary Ablett Snr did two decades back.
But the speculator midfielder cherishes his time away from the playing field. He is a keen surfer, competent on a skateboard and will be the first to declare his talents as a future Olympic table tennis gold medallist in waiting.
In an exclusive interview with The Australian, Ablett lets his “hair” down and shares some of his passions outside of the footy club.
What do you like to do on the Gold Coast when you’re not training?
GA: Whenever I have any spare time I generally head to a cafe with friends. I love my organic food and Mandela Organic Arts Cafe at Mermaid Beach is awesome.
When I first moved up my brother took me to the Gold Coast hinterland. It’s so quiet and picturesque and only a short drive from the coastline.
It’s become a regular thing; we’ll drive to the Currumbin Rock Pools or go for a hike up Mt Warning. Of course I spend a fair bit of time at the beach – I really enjoy the healthy lifestyle on the Gold Coast.
Where was your last holiday?
GA: The last holiday I went on was a working holiday in November before we started pre-season training. My brother Nathan, good friend Michael Paynter and I went to Papua New Guinea. We spent our break working with the Gateway Children’s Fund.
Michael’s father is involved in the charity, which is committed to improving the lives of PNG’s poorest children and I really enjoyed the experience
Where’s your favourite place to play away games?
GA: I love playing in Melbourne, especially if we’re playing at the MCG. I get to catch up with and play in front of so many friends and family.
Where to next?
GA: I’m tipping I will be heading away at the end of the season with my girlfriend Jordan. She will more than likely be calling the shots on where we’ll be going, but I’ll throw a couple of suggestions in, too.
Do you collect souvenirs to remember your travels?
GA: I’m not big on collecting too many souvenirs. I’m more likely to collect jerseys from my favourite sporting teams, which I often wear, especially around the club.
Favourite place to travel in Australia?
GA: I grew up in Victoria and spent heaps of time down the surf coast as a kid so I love to go back down to Torquay and relax by the beach.
Overseas?
GA: It would have to be the United States. I love my American sport and try and get over there as often as possible. We have had a few training camps in Arizona but unfortunately those camps are made of a heap of training and not enough sightseeing if you ask me (laughs).
