AFL experts say Geelong Cats signing of Gary Ablett isn't working

Andrew Lucas

AFL experts say Geelong Cats signing of Gary Ablett isn't working image

Heading to the 2018 AFL season, there is no doubt every player, coach and team would have feared Geelong's star midfield trio of Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Ablett.

But just months into Ablett's return playing to the Cattery, Geelong's form has been scratchy at best, leading many to question the signing of Ablett.

After being knocked out of the preliminary finals in 2017, the Cats were backed to go one better this year, however they're currently eighth and coming off the back of a walloping against a struggling Bombers side.

Former AFL star Gary Lyon and Macquarie Sports Radio host Matt Thompson have concerns over whether the star trio can play together in the midfield.

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“Their midfield mix was Dangerfield, Selwood and Ablett was playing as the high half forward coming off the back of the square, I don’t know whether you can have those three,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.

“That’s where Scott Selwood not playing makes a difference, because you’ve got to change that dynamic up, especially when you’ve conceded two or three goals.

“Half way through the second quarter they took Selwood out of the centre square and Dangerfield went to full forward because the mix wasn’t right.

“The symbolism of the three in there together is fantastic, maybe the reality of it is it doesn’t work."

To accomodate Ablett, the Cats lost Steven Motlop (Port Adelaide) and Darcy Lang (Carlton) during the trade period.

A hamstring injury has meant Ablett has only managed five games in 2018, averaging 29 touches (10 contested), three clearances and two tackles per game.

Thompson, also an AFL.com.au journalist alerted to "warning signs" from the superstar's performance in their 34-point loss to the Bombers.

“I always thought Gary Ablett going back to Geelong was a big risk, and it’s proving that way,” Thompson said.

“We’ll still see signs of brilliance, but I don’t think we can expect the Gary Ablett of old.

“This is the Gary Ablett retirement plan that we’re seeing unfold at the Cattery, and that’s something Geelong fans are going to have to accept.”

The 34-year-old who was the Gold Coast Suns' first ever signing when they entered the competition in 2011 only had 17 disposals (eight contested), one clearance and just the one tackle in the loss to Essendon.

Both Dangerfield and Selwood were consistent ball-winners and layed several tackles, however their efforts couldn't get Geelong close on Saturday.

With that being said, Ablett is a two-time Brownlow medallist and premiership player with 307 games under his belt, while Dangerfield and Selwood are both elite players.

So if the star trio make it work, BEWARE the champions.

The Cats will take on Carlton on Saturday in round ten.

Andrew Lucas

Andrew Lucas Photo