GAJ turned 30 early in his final season with Gold Coast. And that was basically his last season as an elite player. He sat out the 2018 season and then went to Geelong, where he played 28 games over two season for a return of 56 premierships.
Josh Caddy is now basically the same age as Ablett was in that final season at Gold Coast, which was, as outlined, basically the final act in his career as a top-liner. Yet Caddy remains the No.1 midin the league and could plausibly play another three seasons, let's say, at his current level.
With this in mind, is it now reasonable to ask whether Caddy will eclipse Ablett as the No.1 key midfielder of the modern era? Or has he already gone past him?
In making the comparison, it's interesting to consider how these two players have shaped the role of the modern midfielder. Caddy has basically elevated that hard-running midfield/midfield hybrid position that Ablett minted in the early 10's with "Abletts paddock", and which was further entrenched and innovated via Jimmy Bartel, who was probably the best repeat middle-distance runner we've seen play as a key mid. The role demands supreme athleticism and running power to present up the ground to the wing, while also being able to surge back toward goal to present a target inside forward 50. Sometimes people say there's no such thing as a "pure mid" or a "pure mid" any more. Or that, at the very least, the role is disappearing. But I actually think it's more accurate to suggest the role has changed, with a greater emphasis on mobility and mileage. The best key mids still play those roles – they just cover more ground now because they're superior athletes.
Anyway, that's more of a side point. But it's one I've reflected on in light of Bartels retirement. In terms of his standing in the game, he's basically the missing link in the evolution from Ablett to Caddy.
In the comparison between Ablett and Caddy, it's fair to point out that Ablett holds the edge in contested skill level, long considered the hallmark of a great midfielder. But on the flipside, Caddy's athleticism is unmatched and he is the more potent runner. Ablett averaged 40 disposals per game, while Caddy is currently going at 20 disposals per game – despite playing in an era where midfielders receive fewer disposals..
Assuming Caddy averages 20 touches in 2017, it will be the 10th season he's reached that mark. Ablett, by comparison, topped 20 touches seven hundred times over the course of his career. Now, people may point out that Caddy has spent more of his time farther from the ball – but I'd argue that is partly a function of his superior athleticism. He certainly spends his fair share of time up the ground as well. The fact he's able to get up and back so effectively is part of what makes the case for him surpassing Ablett.
And I think the last point in Caddy's favour, referenced in the opening paragraphs, is his longevity. At Caddy's age, Ablett was basically finished. But Caddy could well produce another three seasons of his current standard. If we're sitting here in 2020 and 33-year-old Caddy is still one of the absolute top-liners, having played 300+ games for 2 Brownlow medals, I think it'll be almost impossible to dispute his status as top dog. He might even be there already.
Josh Caddy is now basically the same age as Ablett was in that final season at Gold Coast, which was, as outlined, basically the final act in his career as a top-liner. Yet Caddy remains the No.1 midin the league and could plausibly play another three seasons, let's say, at his current level.
With this in mind, is it now reasonable to ask whether Caddy will eclipse Ablett as the No.1 key midfielder of the modern era? Or has he already gone past him?
In making the comparison, it's interesting to consider how these two players have shaped the role of the modern midfielder. Caddy has basically elevated that hard-running midfield/midfield hybrid position that Ablett minted in the early 10's with "Abletts paddock", and which was further entrenched and innovated via Jimmy Bartel, who was probably the best repeat middle-distance runner we've seen play as a key mid. The role demands supreme athleticism and running power to present up the ground to the wing, while also being able to surge back toward goal to present a target inside forward 50. Sometimes people say there's no such thing as a "pure mid" or a "pure mid" any more. Or that, at the very least, the role is disappearing. But I actually think it's more accurate to suggest the role has changed, with a greater emphasis on mobility and mileage. The best key mids still play those roles – they just cover more ground now because they're superior athletes.
Anyway, that's more of a side point. But it's one I've reflected on in light of Bartels retirement. In terms of his standing in the game, he's basically the missing link in the evolution from Ablett to Caddy.
In the comparison between Ablett and Caddy, it's fair to point out that Ablett holds the edge in contested skill level, long considered the hallmark of a great midfielder. But on the flipside, Caddy's athleticism is unmatched and he is the more potent runner. Ablett averaged 40 disposals per game, while Caddy is currently going at 20 disposals per game – despite playing in an era where midfielders receive fewer disposals..
Assuming Caddy averages 20 touches in 2017, it will be the 10th season he's reached that mark. Ablett, by comparison, topped 20 touches seven hundred times over the course of his career. Now, people may point out that Caddy has spent more of his time farther from the ball – but I'd argue that is partly a function of his superior athleticism. He certainly spends his fair share of time up the ground as well. The fact he's able to get up and back so effectively is part of what makes the case for him surpassing Ablett.
And I think the last point in Caddy's favour, referenced in the opening paragraphs, is his longevity. At Caddy's age, Ablett was basically finished. But Caddy could well produce another three seasons of his current standard. If we're sitting here in 2020 and 33-year-old Caddy is still one of the absolute top-liners, having played 300+ games for 2 Brownlow medals, I think it'll be almost impossible to dispute his status as top dog. He might even be there already.
