Official Merged Nathan Ablett threads

Will NAB be back?

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  • I would REALLY like him too

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Copernicus

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Your post should have read as follows, just to assist you in the future:
Because you're the most realistic prick around this forum besides Hodge2Franklin.
I suppose every board needs its pessimist.

Just so you know, I don't really care so much that you think that Nathan isn't up to it (I disagree, but that's another debate). I just don't recall a single positive post about the club under your username. I just have to wonder why.
 

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Re: Do you think Nathan will be back?

Wasn't there some talk/rumour a little while ago that he was keen on helping out with a church group or something like that, would be a shame for him to leave the game so early
 

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Not sure how many games you saw Catman, but I can't recall one where he had any major impact. He showed a little more this season, especially defensively, but it wasn't a year of major improvement IMHO. Don't get me wrong, I'd hate to see him go as he may yet prove to be very good but on the basis of what he's shown to date he won't be a major loss - which was my point.
BTW. I've looked at the top 15 in the B&F and his name is nowhere to be seen and he played most games.
Compared to his previous two seasons which saw him accumulate 12 goals, he went out and booted 34 playing a difficult role around CHF in a gameplan that would often see the ball pass him on its way to FF. He was often left as a decoy for Mooney and others but he'd do the little things like blocks, shepherds etc. His teammates would give him the footy, something they rarely did in 2005 and 2006. They had faith in him,and you could see the confidence building in the way he played.

I never said he starred, just that in comparison with his first two years, 2007 was a good year for him.

Um, it was actually very relevant in the context of my point.
If the GF was in two weeks, Hawkins would have played? I mean, why two weeks, why not one week?
 

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

I suppose every board needs its pessimist.

Just so you know, I don't really care so much that you think that Nathan isn't up to it (I disagree, but that's another debate). I just don't recall a single positive post about the club under your username. I just have to wonder why.
The sad thing is him taking apparent delight in being right about a young kid possibly walking away from the game. Anyone being happy about this (I'm not saying this just because NA is a Cat) has some serious issues.
 

jess_555

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Re: Do you think Nathan will be back?

I want Nathan to play on but... if he doesn't have the passion and desire then he would be wasting his time and taking up someone else's opportunity to play AFL. It hurts me to say it but if he isn't 100% dedicated then he should retire. I hope he will be given the space to sort it out. Poor guy.
 

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Re: Do you think Nathan will be back?

I don't think it's a huge surprise to the club. Now I know that he's an easy target for rumours which perhaps makes it easy to not consider but when a bloke doesn't show up to celebrate a premiership there are signs to be a little concerned. With the amount of fans that were suggesting he may leave the club must have considered this.

I thought he had a fantastic 2007 and it would be great if he decides to give it 100% as I don't think we've seen close to what he's capable of. But if he can't make that decision then his spot on the list will go to someone that can.

We let a few forwards go, and even without Nathan I still think we were right to do so. We've got a bit of depth and great leadership at the club.

Both the depth and leadership are the very reason we can cope, whether we're coping with a player deciding to go, or to stay.
 

highflyingcat

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Re: Do you think Nathan will be back?

In terms of finding himself, he is far more similar to his father than Gary jnr. One hopes his life is more self satisfying than his father whatever direction he takes
 
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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Hey martyk, just wondering how you feel about yourself, compared to Nathan.

Nathan:
- "not up to it" according to martyk
- "lacks ability" according to martyk
- kicks 34 goals in a premiership season, including 3 in a GF
- AND YET HE DOES THIS WHILE NOT GIVING A STUFF!!

Martyk:
- sitting in front of his computer
- probably tried his hardest for Under13's local league, but was only ever good enough to get a spot on the bench (and was given an encouragement award one day because he got one kick)
- bags out a player who made it to the top level and kicked 3 goals in a premiership while not trying his hardest.

Hmmm, looking at it, I know who I respect as being the more successful out of the two of you.
 

Geelong_Sicko

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Just my two cents... Feel free to disagree but wasn't Gary junior only 'average' in his first three seasons? If it weren't for his name I wouldn't have known what to make of him.
 

MmkMrMackie

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Hey martyk, just wondering how you feel about yourself, compared to Nathan.

Nathan:
- "not up to it" according to martyk
- "lacks ability" according to martyk
- kicks 34 goals in a premiership season, including 3 in a GF
- AND YET HE DOES THIS WHILE NOT GIVING A STUFF!!

Martyk:
- sitting in front of his computer
- probably tried his hardest for Under13's local league, but was only ever good enough to get a spot on the bench (and was given an encouragement award one day because he got one kick)
- bags out a player who made it to the top level and kicked 3 goals in a premiership while not trying his hardest.

Hmmm, looking at it, I know who I respect as being the more successful out of the two of you.
I'm not attacking anyone in particular here, but it's attitudes like this that piss me off. We are not these player's mothers and even though in some of your realities the players are your best friends and you feel that you shouldn't say a bad thing about them, they are not. We are here to discuss their footballing ability. You might care about them, but in the case of Nathan Ablett, he didn't want it in the first place and never seemed to want it when he had it.

We also shouldn't refrain from criticising players just because they are better players than us. I'm sure Marty knows that Nathan Ablett is a better player than him. In fact, I'd assume that he is a better player than all people who post on the Geelong forum. By the way, I would say Byrnesy is better than all of you too.

All you who supported Nathan Ablett until you were blue in the face need to accept the fact that Marty was right and you were wrong. Some of us could see things for how they were. Others decided they'd rather view the world through their rose coloured Ablett glasses. Nathan Ablett could have been, but apart from a few flashes of brilliance, never was. In years to come, people will look back and read about the Garys, and Nathan will get a mention down the bottom as a kid who could have been. He was nowhere near where he should have been this year, and was carried through a large portion of the season. If his name wasn't Ablett, he wouldn't have got half the chances that he did. Any other player who exhibited the body language that Nathan does would have been sent packing too.

So once again, to all those who have egg on their face, suck it up, and look forward to the emergence of one Tom Hawkins.
 
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Re: Do you think Nathan will be back?

That's a bit unnecessary. Let's put the mud away shall we.

I can't help but think that after some time away he will miss it. Particularly given the season he's just been involved in. With a bit of distance and perspective he'll see things in a new light.

In some respects it might be wise for the club to encourage him to take the whole year. Our list could cope with it. It would take the pressure off all concerned and give Nathan a chance to make a few life decisions. You can't really expect him do that in a few weeks.
I think you took me the wrong way, I was not mudslinging. It's not an insult to have depression either. What I meant is that if he does, it would likely affect his self-esteem and self-confidence. But it's purely speculation on my part, I don't and can't have any idea how he feels.
 

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martyk

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

I'm not attacking anyone in particular here, but it's attitudes like this that piss me off. We are not these player's mothers and even though in some of your realities the players are your best friends and you feel that you shouldn't say a bad thing about them, they are not. We are here to discuss their footballing ability. You might care about them, but in the case of Nathan Ablett, he didn't want it in the first place and never seemed to want it when he had it.

We also shouldn't refrain from criticising players just because they are better players than us. I'm sure Marty knows that Nathan Ablett is a better player than him. In fact, I'd assume that he is a better player than all people who post on the Geelong forum. By the way, I would say Byrnesy is better than all of you too.

All you who supported Nathan Ablett until you were blue in the face need to accept the fact that Marty was right and you were wrong. Some of us could see things for how they were. Others decided they'd rather view the world through their rose coloured Ablett glasses. Nathan Ablett could have been, but apart from a few flashes of brilliance, never was. In years to come, people will look back and read about the Garys, and Nathan will get a mention down the bottom as a kid who could have been. He was nowhere near where he should have been this year, and was carried through a large portion of the season. If his name wasn't Ablett, he wouldn't have got half the chances that he did. Any other player who exhibited the body language that Nathan does would have been sent packing too.

So once again, to all those who have egg on their face, suck it up, and look forward to the emergence of one Tom Hawkins.
A very well written post. Couldn't have done it better...
 

martyk

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Hey martyk, just wondering how you feel about yourself, compared to Nathan.

Martyk:
- probably tried his hardest for Under13's local league, but was only ever good enough to get a spot on the bench (and was given an encouragement award one day because he got one kick)

Hmmm, looking at it, I know who I respect as being the more successful out of the two of you.
Typical off topic garbage but I'll respond anyway. The people who are most likely to get pissed off are blokes who are good talented young players and never got drafted. Nath got a free ride. See where I'm going?

I don't care who you respect, but FYI I am degree qualified and very successful at what I do. My career will last until I retire, Nathan all but has retired, no? Whats the kid gonna do now? Live off his match payments? :rolleyes: Hate to bring the kid down but your wanted it, you got it.
 

martyk

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

The sad thing is him taking apparent delight in being right about a young kid possibly walking away from the game. Anyone being happy about this (I'm not saying this just because NA is a Cat) has some serious issues.
Anyone who moderates a forum and has little idea about whats been going on in it concerning this subject has issues imo.

Go back and have a read at all the fanboys who crushed me for saying Nath wouldn't make it... I had next to no one backing me up but stuck to my guns, the result being I have every right to get up on the high horse.
 

FoxC

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

I am degree qualified and very successful at what I do. My career will last until I retire,Nathan all but has retired, no? Whats the kid gonna do now? Live off his match payments?
This is uncalled for. You are entitled to your opinion about his footballing ability but it's unnecessary to bring his private life into this discussion.

Good luck to you with what you do, leave the kid's personal life alone.
 
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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

With regards to Nathan, I agree with you Marty to the extent that I believe he doesnt have what it takes to make it. I'm not too bothered if he does retire, Hawkins will be our FF for the next 10 years anyway, Nathan only played there this year because Hawkins was not fit enough and there were no other options. I don't think he has under-performed either BTW - because he just isnt that good. He is slow, not particularly agile, strong - doesnt have any outstanding physical or decision-making attributes. This coupled with the fact that he seems to be reluctant to be out there, has been since the beginning, means not only will never be a champion but he'll never be even a permanant fixture of our 22. I seriously think if he does stick around he may struggle to keep his spot in the next few years.

But martyk, you may have been right, so what? I'm sure other people thought on similar lines, coming on here and so "I told you so" brings nothing to the thread, other than to try and make the thread about yourself.
 
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Re: Do you think Nathan will be back?

I think you took me the wrong way, I was not mudslinging. It's not an insult to have depression either. What I meant is that if he does, it would likely affect his self-esteem and self-confidence. But it's purely speculation on my part, I don't and can't have any idea how he feels.
Fair enough. Point taken. And yes, it's certainly not an insult to have depression, and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. However it undoubtedly does have a stigma, particularly in competitive sport. I just think, for that reason, it's not a word that should be thrown around willy nilly. Certain types of speculation are not that helpful.
 

MmkMrMackie

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

With regards to Nathan, I agree with you Marty to the extent that I believe he doesnt have what it takes to make it. I'm not too bothered if he does retire, Hawkins will be our FF for the next 10 years anyway, Nathan only played there this year because Hawkins was not fit enough and there were no other options. I don't think he has under-performed either BTW - because he just isnt that good. He is slow, not particularly agile, strong - doesnt have any outstanding physical or decision-making attributes. This coupled with the fact that he seems to be reluctant to be out there, has been since the beginning, means not only will never be a champion but he'll never be even a permanant fixture of our 22. I seriously think if he does stick around he may struggle to keep his spot in the next few years.

But martyk, you may have been right, so what? I'm sure other people thought on similar lines, coming on here and so "I told you so" brings nothing to the thread, other than to try and make the thread about yourself.
In his defense, the thread was pretty epic.
 

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Nathan takes time out
7:30 PM Fri 30 November, 2007 | Back


for gfc.com.au

News
The Geelong Cats have given forward Nathan Ablett time away from pre-season training to help him deal with the pressures of football.

“Nathan met with the club’s leadership group to explain his position and they are supportive of him and wanted to help him get in the best frame of mind for the 2008 season,” Geelong’s general manager of football operations Neil Balme said.

“He explained to the club’s leadership group and the coaching staff that he was feeling extra pressure and all parties felt it best that he take time away from the club.

“Nathan is not the first AFL player to go through this and the club is supportive of his need to take time away from the club.”


REALLY HOPE IT IS ONLY A SHORT TERM THING!! LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MOONEY, ABLETT AND HAWKINS NEXT YEAR!!

GO CATS 2008!!!
like it matters ablett is a dud, not gary but nathan is.
 

catswhiskers

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Aren't there too many people here worried about whether they are right or they are wrong?
Its far too early to say Nathan is a waster or he is a champion or just a good honest player.
There are three possible outcomes.

1. He does not come back. - ever (=wasted his ability).
2. Like his dad he comes back after short breaks e.g 1 season having realised footy is what he is good at ( =good honest or champ?)
3. He is back in training in February and helps GFC with another serviceable year. (=good honest or champ)

Those who think he is really gone forever have a long wait before they can say they were proved right- IIRC his dad was "sacked" by one club over his lack of effort and then even after establishing himself at Geelong he quit- some say over training issues.
We know the kid has some talent - whether he has bucket loads like his dad will only be shown later and only if he gets it right in his head.
 

sarah.13

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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Anyone who moderates a forum and has little idea about whats been going on in it concerning this subject has issues imo.

Go back and have a read at all the fanboys who crushed me for saying Nath wouldn't make it... I had next to no one backing me up but stuck to my guns, the result being I have every right to get up on the high horse.
Congratulations to you Martyk, good to see your so elated at Nathen's confused state of mind.
Perhaps whilst your riding high on your wooden horse you could also be magnanimous enough to admit you were wrong about Corey, Enright, Harley and of course that little sook G.Ablett. ;)
 
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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

I think that it was quite obvious that he wasn't interested in the game anymore. He could have been a great player in the future for the cats. But if he doesn't want to play on then i say good luck to him in whatever it is he wants to do after all it's only a sport at the end of the day so theres no point going him for making a choice on whats the next step in his life. Good luck to Nathan with whatevers next.
 
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Re: N.Ablett having some time away

Well in my opinion which all of u have to, its not gunna matter to Nathan what YOU all think he should do, should have done and could do. Its his life, his choice what he does and bagging each others opinion is immature, and its not going to change his mind if its already made up. Whether people think his shit at footy good at it. Depressed, sensitive, shy, sad whatever, you just have to move on when his choice is made, they all come and go but just a question is it a big deal because his an Ablett?
 
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Re: Do you think Nathan will be back?

Fair enough. Point taken. And yes, it's certainly not an insult to have depression, and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. However it undoubtedly does have a stigma, particularly in competitive sport. I just think, for that reason, it's not a word that should be thrown around willy nilly. Certain types of speculation are not that helpful.
True enough.
 
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