Official Merged Nathan Ablett threads

Will NAB be back?

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year of the cat

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Ok......(deep breath).........

Given some of the comments on here, you would think Ablett is the worst player to ever pull on the Geelong guernsey. Which is patently wrong.

Fact 1: He's only played 32 games.

I would love to go through the first 32 games of Fevola, Hall, Pavlich, Brown and everyone else, and see exactly how their stats compared at the same time. I'm not saying Ablett will be a superstar of the competition, but given how his older brother broke out in his sixth season, I tend to think making sweeping judgements after only 3 years (2 and a bit really) is premature.

Fact 2: He had his best season for Geelong in 2007 and deserved his premiership medal. He kicked 34 goals. More than anyone except Mooney and Steve Johnson. Not a bad effort I would have thought.

Yes he played some poor games (eg round 20 v North, Prelim final v Collingwood), but what's conveniently forgotten is he also played some good ones. For example Round 1 v Bulldogs, Round 2 v Carlton, Round 21 v Port, QF v North, GF v Port Adelaide. So to make a sweeping judgement that he was a passenger all season, and in September, is grossly unfair and incorrect.

He certainly needs to improve further, especially his strength and conditioning. But he's not quite the lump of dead wood some people insinuate.

Thank god there are posters like you on this site. I get sick of the lack of balance and sweeping statements that are made by some that have clearly given next to no thought on their responses. To blindly state that Nathan doesn't deserve his premiership medal is just pathetic.

As you have stated and I have on other occasions, Nathan was improving year on year, is still only 21 years of age and has clearly showed he has the TALENT to be a very useful footballer. Whether he has the desire to be a successful 200 game player is another thing.

I just hope the kid is happy with whatever he decides to do. If he retires good luck to him.
 

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Cattery

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Now there's something I never expected to see on this thread, several consecutive posts that actually make sense.

The facts, as I see them anyway, is that Nathan is a kid with loads of natural talent but unfortunately not the desire [ as yet ] to go with that talent, and as We Are Geelong points out, if he ever does become fully committed then watch out.

Mooney would be the best player to judge him against IMO, fairly average to begin with, improved to the point where he was a very good player but not a constant match winner, and now, in his sixth/seventh? season he's arguably the most valuable member of the side.

Overall this year I'd say Nathan was slightly disappointing after an excellent start, lucky to retain his place in the side? probably, but let's face facts, the only real alternative was Hawkins and he was struggling with fitness issues, which I'd say was the reason Nathan was retained,
not because his name is Ablett as some make out.

Given his background and the improvement he's made each year I'm surprised [ well not that surprised ] to see it said that he won't be missed, KPP players don't just fall out of trees, and given his natural progression you'd expect Nathan to be better in 08 then he was in 07, add to that the fact that if Tomahawk doesn't step up next year it's going to leave us more vulnerable up forward and I'd say the kid will definitely be missed.

Of course all this is moot if he's not fully committed even if he does return, he, and the club, have to make certain that he has his head right and is fully prepared to give it 100%, and if this is not the case then, and only then, would I say it's best that he does walk away.
 
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Great work Partridge.

Nathan would be hugely aware too of the pressure to perform, which sounds like it's behind his decision. Have a look at this article - sorry if it's been referred to before:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,22866787-23211,00.html?from=public_rss

We already know that Nathan lives with his Dad and is very close to him.

In particular:

"In 1989 I felt under so much pressure to perform and that just magnified everything," he wrote.

"I was driving (Geelong president) Ron Hovey's truck and twice I stopped and bawled my eyes out for an hour and a half.

"I just wanted the pain to stop. People don't know that, they just see this star. They see the facade, not the real person. The invasion of privacy, the pressure, I wasn't coping and didn't know what else to do.

"Twice in 1989 I was suicidal. Not that I ever planned it, I just didn't want to be here. By 1991 I was suffering from depression very badly. There were even times throughout my career where I was crying before games.

"A lot of things happened. My ex-wife was with the pizza guy, I was on assault charges and being separated from my children was hard. I really felt burnt out after 1989 because I put in everything that year.

"Coming up in the pre-season of 1990 was really hard, the expectation on me after becoming the yardstick of the AFL.

"I wasn't enjoying pre-season in 1991 so I went to Malcolm (Blight) and said 'Sorry Malcolm, I'm retiring'. He said, 'Are you serious, have you thought this through'?

"One of the biggest deceptions in our society today is that success will bring lasting happiness. My experience is success promises something it doesn't fulfil and its rewards are at best temporary.
 

MmkMrMackie

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Are we supposed to sit around crying about it? Does he want the club to run to him and beg some more? Yes, he could have been a decent footballer, but at the moment, it's all just a whole lot of maybes. He was definitely the weakest link last year, and he was lucky to keep his spot. Nobody could deny that. If he is unwilling to pull his finger out and work hard for a silver spoon, then see you later Nathan. I always thought that Hawkins would take his spot next year anyway.
 

reidy75

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Are we supposed to sit around crying about it? Does he want the club to run to him and beg some more? Yes, he could have been a decent footballer, but at the moment, it's all just a whole lot of maybes. He was definitely the weakest link last year, and he was lucky to keep his spot. Nobody could deny that. If he is unwilling to pull his finger out and work hard for a silver spoon, then see you later Nathan. I always thought that Hawkins would take his spot next year anyway.
Mate, you really don't have much idea. Far from the weakest link, and not lucky to keep his spot. Name a replacement for him?

Yes he seemed to lack attack on the ball at times vis a vis looking too casual (not alone there, try Jared Brennan), he had up and down games (hasn't played much footy and is still learning), but at the end of the day, he was rated ahead of guys like Tom Hawkins. And correctly so.

So name a replacement.

And without naming names, come up with justification for a guy who played as a KP forward and kicked 3 goals in the GF being the weakest link, rather than some of the smaller guys who got a game without having a great game all year.
 

MmkMrMackie

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Mate, you really don't have much idea. Far from the weakest link, and not lucky to keep his spot. Name a replacement for him?

Yes he seemed to lack attack on the ball at times vis a vis looking too casual (not alone there, try Jared Brennan), he had up and down games (hasn't played much footy and is still learning), but at the end of the day, he was rated ahead of guys like Tom Hawkins. And correctly so.

So name a replacement.

And without naming names, come up with justification for a guy who played as a KP forward and kicked 3 goals in the GF being the weakest link, rather than some of the smaller guys who got a game without having a great game all year.
Based purely on form, I would have given Gardiner a game over Nathan Ablett often given the opportunity. We were obviously playing Ablett just to run some experience into him though. Since this was the attitude, and he obviously never wanted it in the first place, I would've given Hawkins a game over him as well.
 

martyk

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Based purely on form, I would have given Gardiner a game over Nathan Ablett often given the opportunity. We were obviously playing Ablett just to run some experience into him though. Since this was the attitude, and he obviously never wanted it in the first place, I would've given Hawkins a game over him as well.
I agree with the Gardiner comment. Also, the expression "we had no one to replace him with" just supports the fact that he was one of the weaker links in the team. If there was plenty of genuine competition for his spot (like in our defensive positions) he would have been pulled out of the team throughout the year, unfortunately Hawkins wasn't ready to hold down a key role.

I'll bet the club isn't too impressed with the experience they pumped into him all year in '07 for probably no return in the future... Live and learn GFC.
 

year of the cat

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Are we supposed to sit around crying about it? Does he want the club to run to him and beg some more?.
Can't see anyone crying about it. Don't want the club to beg either - for the final time I think I can speak for most in saying that we just Nathan to do what he wants to do.


Yes, he could have been a decent footballer, but at the moment, it's all just a whole lot of maybes. He was definitely the weakest link last year, and he was lucky to keep his spot. Nobody could deny that. If he is unwilling to pull his finger out and work hard for a silver spoon, then see you later Nathan. I always thought that Hawkins would take his spot next year anyway.
Good to see you, unlike others, actually acknowledge that he had some talent and may had a decent career if he wanted it.

A lot of people can't seem to get that he just may not want to be an AFL footballer. He was coerced into it from day one and to his credit gave it a go. Not everyone has the desire, passion and therefore drive to want to succeed at AFL. It is the same for Olympic athletes. There are a lot of very talented athletes that if they were more dedicated would be successful. Whether they have "failed" is debateable. Often when athletes achieve the ultimate they find it an anti-climax. "Is that it?". Many in hindsight think they possibly gave up too much to achieve their goal. For others of course this attitude is completely foreign to them. They eat, sleep and breathe their chosen sport and are often very narrow focused individuals. Maybe they are the ones that have failed?
 

martyk

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Good to see you, unlike others, actually acknowledge that he had some talent and may had a decent career if he wanted it.
I don't recall anyone on here claiming he had no talent. Of course its just another meaningless statement containing an 'IF' & 'MAY'. Anyone has just as much right to say that maybe he never would have been any good... How well do you think he would have played in a losing team with less gun forwards for the opposition to account for? Who knows??

I guess on this forum as Geelong members we are all expected to say he would have been a champion IF he had played on... Why? He obviously never had the ambition to do it so your a fool to have believed it. His temperament on the field alone spoke a thousand words.
 

Tonycam*

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No two people are fully going to agree on what Nathan will or would have been in years to come, time will tell. He never looked really happy in what he was doing out there on the field but I do think he was improving with every season and hopefully we will not miss out on seeing what will happen when Hawkins hits his peak and the two fight it out for possitions. NAB still has a lot to give if he really wants to give it.
 

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Ok......(deep breath).........

Given some of the comments on here, you would think Ablett is the worst player to ever pull on the Geelong guernsey. Which is patently wrong.
Yes he played some poor games (eg round 20 v North, Prelim final v Collingwood), but what's conveniently forgotten is he also played some good ones. For example Round 1 v Bulldogs, Round 2 v Carlton, Round 21 v Port, QF v North, GF v Port Adelaide. So to make a sweeping judgement that he was a passenger all season, and in September, is grossly unfair and incorrect.
Thanks Partridge. Sums it up well.

I can't figure out why so many people have to knock him. Lets move on.
 

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I agree with the Gardiner comment. Also, the expression "we had no one to replace him with" just supports the fact that he was one of the weaker links in the team. If there was plenty of genuine competition for his spot (like in our defensive positions) he would have been pulled out of the team throughout the year, unfortunately Hawkins wasn't ready to hold down a key role.

I'll bet the club isn't too impressed with the experience they pumped into him all year in '07 for probably no return in the future... Live and learn GFC.
I disagree. I dont think gardiner is a replacement for nablett. Charlie is only 190cm which makes him more suited to a HF rather than a CHF. Not only that but while his VFL form was good he had been given a few chances at AFL level and was not a good performer. While his average possessions / game are better I would argue the effect as he was prone to poor decision making and disposal on the big stage. Nablett was also a more consistent goal kicker and commanded a key opposition defender.
 

year of the cat

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How well do you think he would have played in a losing team with less gun forwards for the opposition to account for? Who knows??
Nowhere near as well of course. He probably took the third tall backman most weeks after Mooney and SJ.

I guess on this forum as Geelong members we are all expected to say he would have been a champion IF he had played on... Why? He obviously never had the ambition to do it so your a fool to have believed it. His temperament on the field alone spoke a thousand words.
You are exaggerating most of our comments again. I have never,and I reckon most others have never said he would be a "champion", just that he showed he had the talent to be a very good AFL standard footballer if he continued to develop as he had over the past couple of years. Can you at least accept that?

I agree that his body language was often poor and lacked intensity. I don't however consider myself a mind reader. On reflection football wasn't the be all and end all of his life. I suppose that many hoped that when finally experiencing life as a Geelong footballer, and the opportunity to play with his brother, it may have sparked a real enthusiasm for the game in him.

Anyway it will be interesting to see what happens in the next month or so. You obviously don't think he will be back. I tend to agree with you. Maybe we have some common ground after all!!!
 
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Anyone who doesnt believe he was a good footballer go back and watch this years games.

I get a bit sick of people cutting down players because they are not champions or guns or have a deficiency in their game.

Ben Graham, Ottens, Kelly are all players I have heard people complain about the lack of emotion and tenacity when on the field. Lets face it, some people play like that. I know I for one play quiet subdued a lot of the time because it helps me think and remember what I am doing. That is a marked difference from when I was younger and I played purely on instinct. Which is better it is hard to tell (I am a fat f*** now so lets give it to 19 year old Scotty) but I do know that often my decision making and things like my kicking for goal is a lot better now.

Ablett is a good footballer that would have fitted nicely into 13/4-16 of the AFL teams no worries. We will miss him but less than we would have if we didnt have Hawkins. Still Ablett had the ability to play way up the ground as he got fitter as he had awesome hands and was good below his feet.

Whatever he does though I hope the kid is happy. I am because I saw Geelong win a premiership. He should be because he played in it (with his brother and probably a few of his good mates). So thanks for the memories, fleeting as they were and good luck!

Will never forget the Ablett to Ablett speccie down at KP and the WC game where he tore them a new one!
 

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Based purely on form, I would have given Gardiner a game over Nathan Ablett often given the opportunity. We were obviously playing Ablett just to run some experience into him though. Since this was the attitude, and he obviously never wanted it in the first place, I would've given Hawkins a game over him as well.
Except for the fact that Gardiner had been given 50+ games over 6 years and most of those were very poor. Unfortunately he wasn't up to AFL standard. Nathan Ablett showed more last year alone than Gardiner did in all his time at Geelong.

Remember too, Gardiner played in round 1 against the Dogs. He'd had a good preseason and deserved his spot, and what happened? Zero goals, dropped marks, falling over and poor decision making. Same old problems. Ablett on the other hand kicked 3 goals that day, interesting for those who think he only got a kick when we won easily.

And last year he was always a better option than Hawkins. Hawkins does have raw strength and presence, but last year clearly didn't have the engine required. 2008 hopefully will be very different.
 

fpm84

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Gardiner played in round 1 against the Dogs. He'd had a good preseason and deserved his spot, and what happened? Zero goals
---------------------------------

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't Charlie kick the first goal of our season?
In a way, he kickstarted our premiership year... :thumbsu:
 
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i think ppl should ask cameron mooney if he thought nathan ablett had a good yr or should be played at chf b4 anyone else.

Cam has rang bomber and told him to do everything he can to get nab back cos moons knows he wont be allowed to be the same player in 08 without nathan there to help!
 

Big Nasty

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Watching the 2007 season highlights DVD yesterday, I was suprised how good he really can be when he's on. I hope to god he plays on, as I reckon he's capable of becoming a champion forward.
 

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Bingo ... I ticked 2 boxes so it is my fault :)
I just finished watching the season highlights package and the finals series...we are going to actually miss Nablett.

Yes, criticism of him is just in some regard...his defensive pressure and presence is often a little weak. However what i have noticed is the amount of plays he does give us a contest and an alternate leading option. There were quite a few instances within the season highlights where he even displayed a fair bit of pack crashing ability...this should not be under-rated. True he probably doesn't give enough per game, but i actually rate him quite highly for the quality of his possession. His is abilities on both sides are of the highest level and his hands are much better then most in the AFL.

I really think Nablett would have been more then serviceable in his forward role. His 2007 was actually very good, and if you compare him to others in that position - say Rusling, Dixon, Welsh, Playfair, Mcarthy he stacks up pretty well. I hope he manages to sort his shite out and recapture the desire, he is definately an asset to the cats.
 
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I am sure you all have many times...but why not just watch our first goal in the GF. In a way it sums up our season and how we worked so well together. Only a season ago...bombing the ball from 60 out to the goal square was considered dumb footy...

Chappy gets it wheels straight onto the right and bangs it long...why?...because he knows Mooney will be waiting there for a start...and Mooney can fly with confidence because he knows Nathan is going to make sure that happens...

I am not going to debate this with anyone...say what you like...but thats one smart footballer right there Nathan Ablett.

Anyway, why bother asking me...ask Mooney what he thinks about Nathan and why he desperately wants him to return to the side and the forward line...is anyone here going to suggest they know more about it than Moons?
 

martyk

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I am sure you all have many times...but why not just watch our first goal in the GF. In a way it sums up our season and how we worked so well together. Only a season ago...bombing the ball from 60 out to the goal square was considered dumb footy...
Ah.. I'm afraid your wrong. Our '05 / '06 style was to maintain possession by hitting targets / marking, not playing on. Our opposition ran back every time and outnumbered our forwards, we bombed it in.... resulting in turnover.
'07 - Play on at all costs, get it in quick whether its bombed in or not doesn't matter... Forwards get a one on one contest at WORST. More marks / more goals.. simple yeah?
Strike 1

Chappy gets it wheels straight onto the right and bangs it long...why?...because he knows Mooney will be waiting there for a start...and Mooney can fly with confidence because he knows Nathan is going to make sure that happens...
Hmm... well why didn't this happen in '06? I never see Nathan doing any real blocking work.. In fact he probably is the least physical forward I have seen for a few years... Strike 2.

Anyway, why bother asking me...ask Mooney what he thinks about Nathan and why he desperately wants him to return to the side and the forward line...is anyone here going to suggest they know more about it than Moons?
Of course Mooney would say he wants him there, he's a team mate... would Mooney tell you that his performance relied on NAblett, I don't think so sunshine. Why not give us some credible source??
Strike 3 -- YOUR OUT!! :D Better luck next time boss.
 
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