THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Geelong Legend Gary Ablett Sr. Returns as Senior Team Advisor
GEELONG – In an announcement that has sparked widespread joy across the AFL community and the Geelong faithful, Cats head coach Chris Scott has officially confirmed that club icon Gary Ablett Sr. is returning to the organization in the role of senior team advisor – marking a significant milestone for the great champion who has faced well-documented health challenges in recent years.
The news sent shockwaves of excitement through the Valley and beyond, as one of the most revered figures in Geelong’s history prepares to bring his unparalleled football knowledge back to the club where he built his legendary career. Ablett will not take to the field as a player, but will instead provide strategic guidance to the playing group, coaching staff, and football department in his new advisory capacity.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to pull on the Geelong guernsey, Ablett represented the Cats from 1984 to 1996, playing 242 games and booting 1,021 goals – cementing his place among the league’s all-time leading goalkickers. His list of accolades is extraordinary: he claimed the 1989 Norm Smith Medal, three consecutive Coleman Medals between 1993 and 1995, nine Geelong leading goalkicker awards, four All-Australian selections, and the 1984 Carji Greeves Medal as the club’s best and fairest.
In recent years, Ablett has stepped away from formal public roles, with reports indicating he has been unable to work due to a degenerative condition linked to concussion-related injuries sustained during his playing days. In 2024, he made headlines when he sold much of his personal AFL memorabilia, including his three cherished Coleman Medals, in a move he described as helping him “move forward” from his football career.
Speaking at the official confirmation, Scott emphasized the profound significance of Ablett’s return. “This is the best news we could hope for – having Gary back at the club means more than words can say,” he said. “His understanding of the game, of what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and of what it means to be a Geelong Cat is unmatched. We have worked closely with Gary and his family to ensure this role is tailored to his capabilities, and we’re committed to supporting him every step of the way.”
Ablett expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with the club he loves. “Geelong has always been part of my life, and being able to contribute in this way feels like coming home,” he said. “I’ve faced some tough battles off the field, but the chance to share what I’ve learned throughout my journey with the current generation of players is something I’m truly passionate about.”
The role will be structured to accommodate Ablett’s health needs, with the club prioritizing his wellbeing while leveraging his unique insights to support the team’s pursuit of further success.
