Nathan Ablett has achieved an incredible amount in his relatively short footballing life.
Still only 24 years old, the powerfully built but quietly spoken key forward kicked 46 goals in a three-season, 32-game stint at Geelong including three majors in the Cats’ history-making 2007 Grand Final win over Port Adelaide.
Soon after, with a starting spot in one of the game’s best ever teams pretty much locked away, he shocked the football world by retiring.
In 2009, Ablett moved to Queensland and played a handful of games with Broadbeach in the AFLQ competition. At the end of the season he met with SUNS Senior Coach Guy McKenna and Assistant Coach Ken Hinkley – also Ablett’s former mentor at Geelong – and successfully convinced them that he was ready for another crack at elite football.
This weekend Ablett will line up at full forward against his former club at his old home ground.
Here’s what he had to say about it.
Does if feel any different this week heading back to Geelong?
Of course it feels different going there and playing against Geelong as part of the opposition. It’s something quite unusual. Obviously, having grown up there, and having a lot of friends and family down that way it makes things feel like you are back home in a way.
Is this a game you have been looking forward to?
Sure. When I looked at the fixture it stood out, playing Geelong in Geelong. But as far as things go it’s just another game for me to do my best for the team and to try and prove to the club that I want to be with the Gold Coast SUNS next year. Hopefully I can do all the team things and play a good game.
What memories come to mind when you think of Skilled Stadium?
A lot of memories come to mind obviously. Thinking back to ‘05 when I played my first game. That was a great thrill. And, of course, the Premiership year with Geelong. Those are the two most memorable things.
Geelong has been such a big part of your life. Will playing against them feel a bit odd?
Yes, I think so. Running out there playing against players that were on the list when I was there will make it feel a bit weird in a way. And wearing the Geelong colours for so long and now being in a different jumper. I suppose I’ll just have to get used to it.
How have you seen your season to date and what will you work on for the remainder of the season?
As far as performance side of things go it hasn’t been as good as I would have liked it to be, but hopefully with four games left I can come into some good form and show the club that I still have the desire to play AFL football.
