GEELONG APPOINTS CLUB LEGEND ABLETT JR. AS NEW PLAYER PERSONNEL BOSS
Geelong Cats have secured one of the greatest players in their history in a key off-field role, with Gary Ablett Jr. officially announced as the club’s new player personnel manager ahead of the 2026 AFL season.
The appointment marks a full-circle moment for Ablett, who etched his name into Geelong folklore with a glittering playing career before a stint at the Gold Coast Suns and a triumphant return to Kardinia Park for his final seasons. Regarded by many as the Cats’ best player of all time, his wealth of experience and football acumen will now be channelled into shaping the club’s future playing list.
During his first spell at Geelong, Ablett claimed two premierships in 2007 and 2009 – playing a pivotal midfield role in both triumphs – while also winning the 2009 Brownlow Medal as the league’s best and fairest. He collected two Carji Greeves Medals as the Cats’ club champion, earned multiple All-Australian selections, and took home the AFLPA MVP and AFLCA Player of the Year awards on numerous occasions, establishing himself as one of the most dominant midfielders in AFL history.
After joining the expansion Gold Coast Suns in 2011 as their marquee signing, Ablett continued his exceptional form, winning two more Brownlow Medals and leading the club as captain before returning to Geelong in 2018 to finish his career with 357 AFL games to his name.
In his new role as player personnel manager, Ablett will oversee all aspects of list management, including recruitment, retention and trade period strategy – a critical position as the Cats look to rebuild and maintain their competitiveness following a successful but challenging 2025 season that ended in the preliminary final.
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking said Ablett’s appointment was a major coup for the club. “Gary brings a unique perspective that only a player of his calibre can offer,” Hocking said. “His understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level, combined with his deep connection to this club, makes him the perfect person to lead our player personnel team. He knows exactly what kind of players can thrive in the Geelong environment and help us achieve our long-term goals.”
Ablett expressed his excitement at returning to the Cats in an off-field capacity. “This club has given me so much throughout my career, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to give back,” he said. “I’m passionate about helping develop the next generation of Geelong stars and ensuring the club remains a force in the AFL for years to come.”
The legend’s first official day in the role will be in early January, as the Cats begin finalising their list for the 2026 season.
