Other Ablett Taking A Break
Nathan Ablett probably won’t be playing for Geelong in the AFL next season, although he is still on the list and could make a big comeback if he changes his mind. He has announced he is taking a break.
It is not the end of the story, as Geelong will have to decide if they want to delist him after the season. That might open the door for one of the other teams, and if a team is willing to let Nathan Ablett train less, and agree to any other requests he would have, it might be a good idea for a team looking for a younger forward with a premiership medal. But for N Ablett, it is probably Geelong or nobody, although that won’t stop the other teams trying.
If Nathan Ablett does ever play a full season in the VFL, it could mean 100 goals, and a boost in TV ratings for the VFL too.
According to the stories below, the consensus seems to be that N Ablett might be walking away.
From the Geelong site: Nathan Ablett walks away
From the Herald Sun: Ablett walks away
AFL Fantasy Impact:
It is nearly time to start planning for the AFL fantasy season, and some AFL fantasy tips will be posted here soon. Looking at what is happening at Geelong, fantasy coaches might want to start figuring out who takes N Ablett’s spot in the Geelong forward line, although it really has to be Hawkins. His fantasy price should be reasonable.
Tom Lonergan showed in the VFL Grand Final that he can kick goals. Geelong could also play Ottens up forward more, which may not be beneficial for his fantasy numbers. Ryan Gamble is a shorter option for them, Scott Simpson and Dan McKenna are younger options for the Cats to consider. Both would be inexpensive fantasy players who have been capable forwards in their Under 18 teams. Harry Taylor is another draftee who could take a forward position, although Geelong have talked about him as a prospect for their back line as well as forward.
This time a year ago, N Ablett was one of the big fantasy steals. Now his absence could open a spot for someone else with a low fantasy price and the ability to kick some goals for the Cats.
It is not the end of the story, as Geelong will have to decide if they want to delist him after the season. That might open the door for one of the other teams, and if a team is willing to let Nathan Ablett train less, and agree to any other requests he would have, it might be a good idea for a team looking for a younger forward with a premiership medal. But for N Ablett, it is probably Geelong or nobody, although that won’t stop the other teams trying.
If Nathan Ablett does ever play a full season in the VFL, it could mean 100 goals, and a boost in TV ratings for the VFL too.
According to the stories below, the consensus seems to be that N Ablett might be walking away.
From the Geelong site: Nathan Ablett walks away
“I have decided to have a break from AFL football for the time being,” he said.
Ablett, who played 32 games in three seasons, including 21 in 2007, will remain on the Cats’ senior list for 2008.
Ablett, who played 32 games in three seasons, including 21 in 2007, will remain on the Cats’ senior list for 2008.
From the Herald Sun: Ablett walks away
Ablett finds the simplicity of the VFL- training Monday-Wednesday-Friday - more appealing.
Gary Ablett Snr also took time away from the game in the middle of his brilliant career at Kardinia Park.
Gary Ablett Snr also took time away from the game in the middle of his brilliant career at Kardinia Park.
AFL Fantasy Impact:
It is nearly time to start planning for the AFL fantasy season, and some AFL fantasy tips will be posted here soon. Looking at what is happening at Geelong, fantasy coaches might want to start figuring out who takes N Ablett’s spot in the Geelong forward line, although it really has to be Hawkins. His fantasy price should be reasonable.
Tom Lonergan showed in the VFL Grand Final that he can kick goals. Geelong could also play Ottens up forward more, which may not be beneficial for his fantasy numbers. Ryan Gamble is a shorter option for them, Scott Simpson and Dan McKenna are younger options for the Cats to consider. Both would be inexpensive fantasy players who have been capable forwards in their Under 18 teams. Harry Taylor is another draftee who could take a forward position, although Geelong have talked about him as a prospect for their back line as well as forward.
This time a year ago, N Ablett was one of the big fantasy steals. Now his absence could open a spot for someone else with a low fantasy price and the ability to kick some goals for the Cats.
Geelong do have quite a few young players to consider, but Hawkins has to be who they try first.