- Feb 18, 2017
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Back in the day, did anyone rate him?
As a fairly new AFL fan it's crazy he became one of the best ever
As a fairly new AFL fan it's crazy he became one of the best ever
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I'm curious, how did everyone get Ablett Jnr wrong?
- Thread starter Ohitsthatguy
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Was thought to be a decent second round small forward prospect in his draft year. A bit of midfield potential which he displayed in some nice cameos 2003-2006. Once the onus was really put on him to build a tank and take on a full time midfield gig he excelled.
Take out the name and nothing massive would have been expected of him based on his junior football.
Take out the name and nothing massive would have been expected of him based on his junior football.
- Sep 10, 2006
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Even after he'd been playing seniors for like 4 or 5 years there was nothing to suggest he'd become the star he did. I remember watching him in like 2005 and 2006 and thinking he was just a good, ordinary small forward.
2 years later... Bang
Still the best player I've ever seen play the game, including Carey, Lockett, Franklin, Williams etc
2 years later... Bang
Still the best player I've ever seen play the game, including Carey, Lockett, Franklin, Williams etc
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Was pretty slight to start with and seemed to get pushed around a lot. He put in immense work into his body and bulked up hugely after a few pre seasons at Geelong and became so strong through the trunk and core like his old man that was key to him being dominant mid just couldnt tackle him or push him off the ball and his fitness was elite
He was a late first round prospect which is still fairly highly rated. Probably holding him back were worries about character. Good kid but a little shy and withdrawn. I think just how competitive and determined he is was hidden a bit.
Also against him was that he was a sub 6” player lacking fitness with a bit of a quirky kicking style. Probably not great on the skin folds test either.
Obviously he grew up and became a freak of a player with unreal balance and short area quickness that was always a strength but knuckling down and just developing as a person was a given at draft time.
- May 13, 2014
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I remember the thing that stood out to me from his first game was his ability to stand up in a tackle, not lose his head and distribute effectively to a team mate in a better position.
- Jun 19, 2006
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His early years are underrated because of how good he became.
He was the best young small forward in the game. From 2003-2006 he finished 4th, 8th, 3rd and 3rd in the B&F.
Nobody could've expected him to become arguably the best player ever but he was always one of the best young players in the game.
He was the best young small forward in the game. From 2003-2006 he finished 4th, 8th, 3rd and 3rd in the B&F.
Nobody could've expected him to become arguably the best player ever but he was always one of the best young players in the game.
- Feb 15, 2006
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He wasn't fantastic at the Falcons, but hardwork and being taught the right way by Macca, he grew into the player he was.
Murphy Reid is probably the best comparison, albeit Ablett took a year to have that impact (2003). Early Ablett was still a bit more midfield-centric than Reid (2003: less goal assists, but more than twice as many clearances).
Ever since I first saw Rachele play for us I thought he reminded me of Gary Jnr.
Interesting to see how he progresses this offseason.
Absolutely - Rachele is a fantastic comparison. Has had some very influential games the past couple of seasons too (much like Ablett 2003-2005).
Will he end up a permanent midfielder? It seems like Rankine and Rachele swapping as a forward/mid rotation could be a staple over the next 6 years.
He trained with the mids last offseason but I guess team dynamics didn't eventuate.
Given what happened in the finals I'd be shocked if we don't see him actually play there.
There's talk Curtin will go in there but he's still a second year player, Rachele is physically ready.
PowerfulPies2023
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Yeah right. Rachel the next GAJ.
Not saying he's as good. GAJ will be hard to beat ever.
Shane Heard
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Early in his career at about 21, Geelong employed at a program called “
Leading teams “ where the squad sits in a room and one by one they sit up front and say something true about a teammate that gives them the shits.
A few senior Geelong players called out Gary Jnr for being lazy at training and not taking his fitness improvement seriously.
Young Gary was mortified and went on a mission to ramp up his efforts and soon became an elite athlete who could run all day.
His kicking action is actually a beautiful thing to watch because he had a natural ability to drop the ball very low onto his foot every time so he became very accurate and consistent with his target hitting.
He built up his strength with his body and became a very solid unit who was difficult to tackle. Much like a running back in the NFL.
Leading teams “ where the squad sits in a room and one by one they sit up front and say something true about a teammate that gives them the shits.
A few senior Geelong players called out Gary Jnr for being lazy at training and not taking his fitness improvement seriously.
Young Gary was mortified and went on a mission to ramp up his efforts and soon became an elite athlete who could run all day.
His kicking action is actually a beautiful thing to watch because he had a natural ability to drop the ball very low onto his foot every time so he became very accurate and consistent with his target hitting.
He built up his strength with his body and became a very solid unit who was difficult to tackle. Much like a running back in the NFL.
Last edited:
Shane Heard
Brownlow Medallist
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PowerfulPies2023
Premiership Player
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Alan Ezard wpuld have been a legend if not for his red hair.
Moorcroft
O'Connor
Bewick
Moorcroft
O'Connor
Bewick
Shane Heard
Brownlow Medallist
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Ezard was a very good player.
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PowerfulPies2023
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Good boxer too. Competed in an 8 man tournament and won it many years ago.
Shane Heard
Brownlow Medallist
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Shane Heard was very good on the speed ball too.
If I remember correctly he actually manufactured speed balls and sold them as a business.
Anyone who watched a bit of him as a youngster would have quickly noticed he had something special. I often recall, he would find the ball and instead of doing what most players did, get rid of it as quickly as possible, he would try some things. Often maneuvering around a player before assessing his options. This is a rare quality in a young player. Takes courage and self-belief to accept you are likely going to get pinged or cop the barrage from your coaches.
His brother (Nathan) had even more natural talent. Remarkably agile and assured on both sides of the body. At 195cm tall, he would have become one of the best players of his generation. As talented as what Sam Darcy is today. Probably even higher footy IQ. The complete package.
His brother (Nathan) had even more natural talent. Remarkably agile and assured on both sides of the body. At 195cm tall, he would have become one of the best players of his generation. As talented as what Sam Darcy is today. Probably even higher footy IQ. The complete package.
- Sep 22, 2011
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Ablett developed elite workrate and dedication quite late (relatively). That's what changed I think.
You get a truly elite player when you have both elite talent and elite workrate/dedication.
You're largely born with the talent and Ablett clearly had that... he had reasonably good genes
He didn't have the workrate/dedication. Players who end up elite generally develop that quite early too, because their elite talent makes them focus on reaching the top level - they want to make the most of their opportunity.
Ablett didn't. I'm sure the father / son thing has a lot to do with it, he's basically unique in the history of the game - no player rated on his father's level, an all-time great, has really produced a son that's gone into footy. It's very rare. Perhaps Ted Whitten Jr is the closest comparison.
As the supremely talented son of all-time great, GAJ would've known from about the age of 12 that he was definitely headed to the AFL. His talent got him there and he didn't need to develop that elite workrate/dedication in his teens.
He developed it later and coupled with his talent, became what he was.
You get a truly elite player when you have both elite talent and elite workrate/dedication.
You're largely born with the talent and Ablett clearly had that... he had reasonably good genes
He didn't have the workrate/dedication. Players who end up elite generally develop that quite early too, because their elite talent makes them focus on reaching the top level - they want to make the most of their opportunity.
Ablett didn't. I'm sure the father / son thing has a lot to do with it, he's basically unique in the history of the game - no player rated on his father's level, an all-time great, has really produced a son that's gone into footy. It's very rare. Perhaps Ted Whitten Jr is the closest comparison.
As the supremely talented son of all-time great, GAJ would've known from about the age of 12 that he was definitely headed to the AFL. His talent got him there and he didn't need to develop that elite workrate/dedication in his teens.
He developed it later and coupled with his talent, became what he was.
Shane Heard
Brownlow Medallist
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Yeah good points. Tim Watson was the same at 18/19. He would hold onto the ball and dance around players and look for options to deliver the ball. Never panic disposals. Always keeping his feet and not falling over.
Super awareness of what’s around them.
- May 5, 2016
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Why does anyone doing a comparison to someone have to mean they are saying they are going to be as good as them?
Every cricket commentator on the planet says Darren Bravo looked eye catchingoy similar to his cousin Brian Lara, and everyone who’s watched Tagenarine Chanderpaul bat says he’s a mirror image of his dad Shivnarine.
I’ve never read a single person say ‘I bet those two will be as good as Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.’
