GARY ABLETT JUNIOR RE-SIGNS WITH GEELONG
Ben Jensen 29 December 2005

By Ben Jensen. GARY ABLETT JUNIOR has signed up to play with the Geelong Football Club for at least the next four seasons. It was a not unexpected, but nonetheless great piece of news to end the year with. The deal is believed to be worth around the $350,000 mark per season. Ablett's contract was due to expire at the end of season 2006.

Ablett certainly could have named his price had he chosen to play out the season and make a move. Any one of the other fifteen clubs would have asked him to name his price. But, like other stars such as Matthew Scarlett, Jimmy Bartel and Tom Harley, he stuck with his club.

Gary Ablett certainly needs no introduction. 2005 was an indifferent year for Ablett on the field, but the year did bring positives in other ways. His younger brother, Nathan, made his debut late in the season. His father Gary Senior was inducted into the AFL's hall of fame (see story).

Gary and Nathan were drafted under the 'father-son' rule, after both playing junior football at Modewarre, a small township west of Grovedale in Geelong. Gary was drafted the conventional way, via the Geelong Falcons TAC Cup side while Nathan preferred to stay at 'Moda'; playing mainly under 18 but some senior matches in 2004.

This season Gary launched his own website, www.garyablettjnr.com. While attracting a small band of followers, it has created some unwanted controversy over the subscription price.

While appearing to not have as strong a season in 2005, Ablett's stats tell a different story. He kicked less goals but in just three more games had 79 more kicks and 55 more handballs. He also finished third in the club best and fairest, as the best indication that the club is happy with your form.

In 2006 Ablett should spend more time on the ball, after hopefully having a full pre-season. Earlier and during the middle of last season Ablett was troubled by various muscular injuries that limited his time spent on the ball, although it didn't stop him from playing each home and away game plus the two finals.

Shortly, The Cattery will be publishing the long-awaited season review. In the meantime we recommend you visit Cats Claw for all the latest gossip on the mighty cats.