NA23 and his No Play Contract

[JUBJUB]

IN TODAYS' HUN , March30 Pg74

AT THE BAR WITH JON ANDERSON AND MARK ROBINSON
...

I don't take any notice of what Jon Anderson says.He's been stalking Nathan for at least 2 years.

 

[Geminigirl]

Snippet from the Age

most encouraging, perhaps ironic, part of the Nathan Ablett story, however, is the reluctant one has found a sanctuary at the Geelong Football Club, where the senior players have made a special effort to give him a second home.

“He’s so enthralled, interested in becoming a professional footballer,” said Cook. “He’s spending more time at the football club than anyone else.”

 

[Turbocat]

I don't take any notice of what Jon Anderson says.He's been stalking Nathan for at least 2 years.

Granted he has taken an unusual , almost perverse interest in him but is there anything to the story.I saw him play the inter club game down at KP, he didnt seem overly worried by the crowd and there were several thousand that day.

I think the best thing to happen in the Ablett saga is that Kingsley bagged 4 and H kicked a couple. At the moment we just don't need him, and with SJ and Charlie coming back, we probably won't need him for a while.

Sounds good but dont forget Mackie and Gardiner.These are the guys that appear to have the most talent and the biggest chance to boost our foward setup.While these guys are kicking goals NA23 will be given time

 

[Sean Sheep]

I don't think he was worried about the crowd last Sunday either... It looked pretty obvious that his knee was causing him some grief... thats why he went off the ground.

 

[ezbian]

It was the Herald Sun that made out Nablett would be the 1000th player.The club said "he's one of a few possibilities" [i.e Egan,Thurley,Blake ...etc].

The 1000th player has already been and gone. The Hearld Sun suspected Ottens 999, and Ablett 1000. Tom Harley's ankle stuffed everything anyway. The Herald Sun apparently name Egan 999 and Ottens 1000. How did they determine that Ottens was 1000? Was it because he was at the club later than Egan?

The whole thing is a media beat up. Everybody is intrigued by the kid.

My whispers tell me he just doesn't think he is fit enough or quite ready to take the next step yet? He wants to, but just not yet.

Hopefully Mackie, Gardiner and Johnson provide enough excitement over the next month that people will stop talking about NA, and about some of the other mecurial talent on display.

Which poses another question can all three play in the same side if Ottens and Kingsley play forward. I know they played Johnson and either Mackie or Gardiner for most of the second half of the season, but did they ever play as a trio. They are very similar and do fill the same role.

Look forward to seeing Kelly resting forward more often this year.

 

[Fall Out Boy]

I don't think he was worried about the crowd last Sunday either... It looked pretty obvious that his knee was causing him some grief... thats why he went off the ground.

Meh, why go with the truth when the 'worried about the crowd' story sounds much better.

 

[Turbocat]

The 1000th player has already been and gone. The Hearld Sun suspected Ottens 999, and Ablett 1000. Tom Harley's ankle stuffed everything anyway. The Herald Sun apparently name Egan 999 and Ottens 1000. How did they determine that Ottens was 1000? Was it because he was at the club later than Egan?

The whole thing is a media beat up. Everybody is intrigued by the kid.

My whispers tell me he just doesn't think he is fit enough or quite ready to take the next step yet? He wants to, but just not yet.

Hopefully Mackie, Gardiner and Johnson provide enough excitement over the next month that people will stop talking about NA, and about some of the other mecurial talent on display.

Which poses another question can all three play in the same side if Ottens and Kingsley play forward. I know they played Johnson and either Mackie or Gardiner for most of the second half of the season, but did they ever play as a trio. They are very similar and do fill the same role.

Look forward to seeing Kelly resting forward more often this year.

Hope your right!!
For a start its logical that it would be so , if Cooney the number 1 pick struggled with fitness why wouldn't he.

 

[Turbocat]

No third coming for Cats this season
Greg Denham

The Australian ,
May 12, 2005
GEELONG yesterday cleared the air and declared Gary Ablett's 19-year-old son Nathan would not play at the elite level this year.

Ablett, a surprise recruit last year after being reluctant to follow in the footsteps of his famous father and elder brother Gary Jnr, has asked to play out his first year with the Cats in the VFL.
Coach Mark Thompson said yesterday he had no intention of playing Nathan Ablett in the seniors this year.
"When he came here we said 'get used to the VFL environment', he wanted to do that, and nothing's changed since," Thompson said.
"It's probably good for everyone to come out in the open because we get asked every week when he's going to play in the seniors. The rumours and speculation have been rife and they haven't helped anyone, especially Nathan."
The conjecture surrounding Ablett came to a head in round two when Geelong's VFL team had a bye and the Cats took him to Perth with their travelling party to "acclimatise" to the routine of interstate games.
Ablett was not named in Geelong's 22 or as an emergency, yet he was chased through Perth Airport by media who speculated he would be a late inclusion, despite denials from Thompson.
"Nathan's not playing well enough and he's not ready," Thompson said. "More than likely, he won't play this year. And there's other boys in the VFL who are way in front of him. He's big enough (194cm), but his body is not quite ready and he's not strong enough at the moment. He really has a lot to learn about the game and the pressure."
Thompson said many Geelong fans expected too much too early. "Gary (Jnr) played first-up after being drafted and the perception was that Nathan would follow," Thompson said. "He was never going to be a walk-up start.
"There's no question Nathan's taken a step forward this season, but it's important in our system that every player gets treated equally."
Ablett has played five games in the VFL this season, mainly as a key-forward, but has spent some time in defence. He is viewed by the third-placed Cats as a centre half-forward of the future, but Thompson said he was satisfied with Geelong's present structure at senior level where Henry Playfair, Charlie Gardiner and occasionally Ken Kingsley rotate through centre half-forward.
"We basically want to take the pressure off Nathan," Thompson said. "He wants to have a year in the reserves to feel his way, and we're not opposed to that."
Ablett was recruited via the father-son rule in last November's national draft with overall selection No.48. His brother was also a third-round, father-son choice in 2001.
Gary has played 62 of a possible 76 games since his debut in round one, 2002. Nathan, unlike his brother who came through the under-18 TAC Cup system, preferred to play locally with Modewarre, a small district outside Geelong, in the Ballerine Football League.
At the time, Thompson said Geelong would treat the latest Ablett with kid gloves.
"We just have to take the most delicate road we have ever taken before with any junior player," Thompson said then.
Further pressure could be placed on Nathan if his father - dubbed God - is this year inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame.

Well , I suppose that they had to get it into the public eventually but I have to disagree with the line about US(the Geelong Fans) expecting too much too early. Generally most that Ive talked to have said we should give him at least the amount of time Playfair and Mackie have received. I would love for someone, preferably him to say something like "he was as keen as mustard" but just isnt ready but to me it sounds more like, Nathans feeling the pressure(what pressure im not sure)not playing well, bit of a sore leg, so lets just pull back a bit give him another year. Is it expecting to much for a bit of positive feedback from the kid himself?I mean he is 19, he can talk can he not.
"Im loving my time down at the club, its been great mixing with the guys, Garry has made it easier than I thought it would be. The trainings tough but I'm getting used to it. Probably see out the year in the VFL and put in a big pre season next year" How hard could it be!!

 

[JUBJUB]

Well , I suppose that they had to get it into the public eventually but I have to disagree with the line about US(the Geelong Fans) expecting too much too early.

I guess "Media w@nkers" wouldn't have got past the editors.

 

[Macpop]

Nathan would want to improve 1000% if he was to make it this year.
And if you listen to some of the grumbles from the more senior players running around in the VFL, he might be a cause of some very lazy formed players,as I think they are sick of him being able to do as he wants.
Doesn't chase, doesn't compete for marks,

 

[ecleftic]

And if you listen to some of the grumbles from the more senior players running around in the VFL, he might be a cause of some very lazy formed players,as I think they are sick of him being able to do as he wants. QUOTE]
Regardless of what is occurring with Nathan the other more senior players should be concentrating on themselves and getting their own games right. As this is only Nathan's first year and the others have been around a couple who did they blame before? They can only control what they, themselves, can do, so they should be making themselves indispensible by playing their best and most committed footy.



Go CATS!!

 

[oooze]

I have seen Nathan Ablett play on numerous occassions and he has shown nothing at VFL. Infact he got shut down by 17yr old Matthew Bate a couple of weeks ago and Matthew Bate wont slot into the Melbourne side anytime soon. He looks lost on the field and does not attack the footy at all. Sylvia has looked extremely lost at AFL level and that was after he has kicked three bags of 7 goals and a bag of 5 at Sandringham!...Ablett is no where near ready.

Whilst Sylvia's perception of being completely lost he has had no game time at all, let alone in the centre of the ground. Until Ablett does what Sylvia has done in the VFL leave him there.

Ablett having a wah wah over too many cameras and people putting pressure on him is not good for his football image in the eyes of other supporters. Down at Melbourne we have 2 youngsters by the name of Brock Mclean and Col Sylvia who wear the jumper with pride and give it there all and tackle hard etc. Once nathan has a look at these two he will get scared and run away. Nathan is an absolute joke.

You cant expect him to play well if he doesnt want to play...he will get exposed by other, more determined youngsters.

 

[JUBJUB]

oops,double post

 

[JUBJUB]

Bugger off to the Melbourne Board oooze.
You make Yze_Tragic seem intelligent.

 

[scottydeewah]

Funny how you here one thing frm the club and the COMPLETE omlette on this board.

Where are your sources ooze? Who are these players you are so close with.


Ablett will strugle whilst our whole team kicks only 8 goals in the VFL. Our VFL team is SSSOOOOOOOO POOR right now. Let him develop in the seconds and in the gym and under the coach. If we were not aiming for flags he would probably have had a run in the first by now just to get his first game out of the way.

Pies/Hawks/Dons/Blues He would have played in one of these SHIZZLE teams.

 

[nananana catman]

Bugger off to the Melbourne Board oooze.
You make Yze_Tragic seem intelligent.

He is an idiot, but the first bit he said about Ablett not being ready is true. He started in the pre season like a house on fire. Has he been playing bad to avoid attention and a possible call-up? I'd say no.

Its not the pressure that will stop him debuting, its his brains. From all accounts He doesnt have too many brain ceels and this will be more detrimental than any pressure.

 

[Turbocat]

I have seen Nathan Ablett play on numerous occassions and he has shown nothing at VFL. Infact he got shut down by 17yr old Matthew Bate a couple of weeks ago and Matthew Bate wont slot into the Melbourne side anytime soon......
Down at Melbourne we have 2 youngsters by the name of Brock Mclean and Col Sylvia who wear the jumper with pride and give it there all and tackle hard etc. Once nathan has a look at these two he will get scared and run away. Nathan is an absolute joke.

Its one thing for GFC supporters to question , but others can get stuffed.
You mention 3 Melbourne players
Bate - got nothing to say except I wish he was on our list. Watching him in the U18 GF showed his quality.To me he reminded me of Steve Johnson
McLean and Sylvia . this is is another example of club getting RORT picks. Melbourne being the absoulte paragon of Rorters , up one year down the next, yes they are talented but so what, you should only have one of them.That aside yes they are talented players.
BUT...
These 3 players all played U18's and state footy.NA23 is a long way behing players like these 3.He will take longer but the finished product may just be better than any of the three, well see. untill then .... enjoy your Rorted picks

 

[JUBJUB]

He is an idiot, but the first bit he said about Ablett not being ready is true.

That's no secret.My comment at oooze was about it's last line in the 3rd paragraph it wrote.

 

[chapmanmagic35]

I find it hard to believe. Thompsons wouldn't compromise his position. If Bomber wants him to play, then I guess he should.

 

[Turbocat]

I found this an interesting thread to re-read now post season.

Was there a contract that prevnted him Nathan playing?
Obviously NO.However the longer the season went it did become clearer that the almighty triangle of power at Catland gave a verbal reassuarance that he wouldnt be played in 05

His form in the VFL/was he ready/could he play. etc..?
The one post by that Dees suporter sould be shoved right down his gullet. If anyone doubts the kid has the right to be on our list they are blinded by his surname.
I have been amazed that people persist with stuff like - the real reason he didnt play in Sydney.Gees give it a rest!
One thing I dont think was thought about was what he would do for Garys form.When Nathan came into the side Gary lifted.It was awesome to watch.
His first goal , will go down as one my real football highs, not just for this year but any year. Its hard to descibe why it enthralled us, the pass, the goal its self was nothing special just good footy. Id say there was an element of opera or mythology to the moment.The crowd caught alight.
It was a unifying moment


Now for 06
To me me Im just so happy that that of speculation of when he is going to debut is now gone.Having played, its a dead issue. Imagine what summer would have been like for him if he still had not been given his AFL hoops?
A recent photo of Nathan in the paper gave one the impression that with minimal time in the gym he has put extra meat on the bones.He wasnt that much different to Mooney and hes been in the system of fair time.I seem to think he might be one of the lucky ones (must be in the genes) that he only has to walk past the weight room and he puts half a Kg on.
Recently the little article about him talking to the media was about. To me its just like the debut game, the longer you put it off , the pressure is maintained. Get it over and done with and it will ease.But I suppose , far be it from me to tell him what to do, I've never lived in the circus being the star animal, being expected to perform while all the time wishing to escape.
But as Malthouse one quoted "the ox is slow, but the Earth is patient". The longer he spends at the club the more natural he will find it and that can only mean upside for our footy club
Bring on 06

 

[ablettjnr]

Good post Turbocat, again. Dead right in saying that the longer the club waited, the harder it would have been on Nathan when he finally got a game. The way he started was an added bonus, but was not by no means the be all and end all had he not begun in such a fashion.

 

[skywalk750]

What the..

 

[scottydeewah]

I was watching the 04 DVD last night. All i hope is that NAB can be as electrifying and game breaking as his older bro. Because if he has that sixth sense that Jnr has, man this is going to be a GREAT 6-10 years to wach the cats.

 

[WestCat]

I found this an interesting thread to re-read now post season.

Was there a contract that prevnted him Nathan playing?
Obviously NO.However the longer the season went it did become clearer that the almighty triangle of power at Catland gave a verbal reassuarance that he wouldnt be played in 05

His form in the VFL/was he ready/could he play. etc..?
The one post by that Dees suporter sould be shoved right down his gullet. If anyone doubts the kid has the right to be on our list they are blinded by his surname.
I have been amazed that people persist with stuff like - the real reason he didnt play in Sydney.Gees give it a rest!
One thing I dont think was thought about was what he would do for Garys form.When Nathan came into the side Gary lifted.It was awesome to watch.
His first goal , will go down as one my real football highs, not just for this year but any year. Its hard to descibe why it enthralled us, the pass, the goal its self was nothing special just good footy. Id say there was an element of opera or mythology to the moment.The crowd caught alight.
It was a unifying moment


Now for 06
To me me Im just so happy that that of speculation of when he is going to debut is now gone.Having played, its a dead issue. Imagine what summer would have been like for him if he still had not been given his AFL hoops?
A recent photo of Nathan in the paper gave one the impression that with minimal time in the gym he has put extra meat on the bones.He wasnt that much different to Mooney and hes been in the system of fair time.I seem to think he might be one of the lucky ones (must be in the genes) that he only has to walk past the weight room and he puts half a Kg on.
Recently the little article about him talking to the media was about. To me its just like the debut game, the longer you put it off , the pressure is maintained. Get it over and done with and it will ease.But I suppose , far be it from me to tell him what to do, I've never lived in the circus being the star animal, being expected to perform while all the time wishing to escape.
But as Malthouse one quoted "the ox is slow, but the Earth is patient". The longer he spends at the club the more natural he will find it and that can only mean upside for our footy club
Bring on 06

All valid points, but another is that Kingsley improved too when there was another forward to focus on. Kent was just loving jumping in front of Nathan to get an easy mark. I don't think Ottens got the same sort of attention that Nathan received.