Gary Ablett meets with Gold Coast

[the joker]

this is from the Herald Sun

GARY Ablett's management has attempted to play down the Brownlow Medallist's secret meeting with the Gold Coast over the weekend.

Ablett met with key officials from the AFL's new 17th team who outlined a multi-million dollar offer, believed to be worth more than $1.5 million per season, to the Geelong champion.

Liam Pickering, who manages Gary and his younger brother Nathan, refused to be drawn on the Gold Coast's determination to make Ablett its marquee player when it debuts in the AFL in 2011.

"He's contracted for another year at Geelong and as far as we are concerned he is a Geelong player," Pickering said.

"We're not making any comment."

The meeting, which was held in chief executive Travis Auld's apartment in Broadbeach, became public after Port Adelaide players, who were staying in the same apartment complex, spotted Ablett with the Gold Coast officials.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna, recruiting manager Scott Clayton and football manager Marcus Ashcroft were at the meeting.

Ablett was on the Gold Coast to visit his brother, who has signed to play with the new franchise next season in the VFL, and father who had been holidaying there. He then flew back with Gary Snr on Sunday night.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook is currently overseas and he is expected to ramp up Geelong's counter offer over the coming weeks although in money terms the Cats will most likely only be able to offer half what the Gold Coast is capable of splurging on the game's best player.

Ablett was back training with his premiership teammates today but is scheduled to leave for overseas next week for a holiday with his girlfriend, Lauren Phillips.

[the joker]

If Gary leaves it will be bigger than Judd leaving West Coast,
and it was a Master stroke by Guy Mckenna to sign Nathan Ablett.

[Booney]

Very interesting indeed. The bloke cant be blamed for exploring his earning potential. Two flags and a Brownlow to his name by early 20's means he can look for some extra coin in the coming years. Covered every honour you can get, good luck to him.

[cossi11]

this is from the Herald Sun

GARY Ablett's management has attempted to play down the Brownlow Medallist's secret meeting with the Gold Coast over the weekend.

Ablett met with key officials from the AFL's new 17th team who outlined a multi-million dollar offer, believed to be worth more than $1.5 million per season, to the Geelong champion.

Liam Pickering, who manages Gary and his younger brother Nathan, refused to be drawn on the Gold Coast's determination to make Ablett its marquee player when it debuts in the AFL in 2011.

"He's contracted for another year at Geelong and as far as we are concerned he is a Geelong player," Pickering said.

"We're not making any comment."

The meeting, which was held in chief executive Travis Auld's apartment in Broadbeach, became public after Port Adelaide players, who were staying in the same apartment complex, spotted Ablett with the Gold Coast officials.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna, recruiting manager Scott Clayton and football manager Marcus Ashcroft were at the meeting.

Ablett was on the Gold Coast to visit his brother, who has signed to play with the new franchise next season in the VFL, and father who had been holidaying there. He then flew back with Gary Snr on Sunday night.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook is currently overseas and he is expected to ramp up Geelong's counter offer over the coming weeks although in money terms the Cats will most likely only be able to offer half what the Gold Coast is capable of splurging on the game's best player.

Ablett was back training with his premiership teammates today but is scheduled to leave for overseas next week for a holiday with his girlfriend, Lauren Phillips.

Sorry Cats fans but bye bye Gary, enjoy the Gold Coast!

[MW]

Geelong would have to pay him over $1m a year for his next contract otherwise bye bye Geelong

[wycbloods]

I guess we will learn about what motivates Gary Ablett Jnr. Money or success? I think the success will prevail in a close finish .

[Pup]

I guess we will learn about what motivates Gary Ablett Jnr. Money or success? I think the success will prevail in a close finish .

I guess he needs to evaluate what he wants like you said but remember Geelong are probably on the decline albeit a very slow one and he could be the one to really put GC on the map.

With the picks and salary concessions that have been granted they could be pushing top 4-6 within 3 years especially if they can land a big fish like Gary.

Interesting times ahead.

[mighty_tiger_79]

the cats will start to be on the decline, but the Gold Coast what chance do they have of being an immediate success.

he will go north if he wants money or he will stay at geelong for the chance of more success

[Hondo]

the cats will start to be on the decline, but the Gold Coast what chance do they have of being an immediate success.

he will go north if he wants money or he will stay at geelong for the chance of more success

I reckon the opposite actually. Common opinion is that GC could be very strong in 3 years or so meaning that Gazz could easily get another couple of flags before he retires (him + all those early draft picks would make for a great team). There's more upside in GC than Geelong from here on IMO, espcially after the 2010 season.

That doesn't mean I think he will go however. Every new expansion team targets someone like Ablett but it rarely comes off. I recall the Crows chasing Kernahan and Port chasing Chris Grant to no avail.

[Moe]

Gaz will never play a game for the Gold Coast. Even if he signs there, if you know what i mean.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[mighty_tiger_79]

the cats will start to be on the decline, but the Gold Coast what chance do they have of being an immediate success.

he will go north if he wants money or he will stay at geelong for the chance of more success

I reckon the opposite actually. Common opinion is that GC could be very strong in 3 years or so meaning that Gazz could easily get another couple of flags before he retires (him + all those early draft picks would make for a great team). There's more upside in GC than Geelong from here on IMO, espcially after the 2010 season.

That doesn't mean I think he will go however. Every new expansion team targets someone like Ablett but it rarely comes off. I recall the Crows chasing Kernahan and Port chasing Chris Grant to no avail.

well one of us will be correct

[Rik E Boy]

Obviously I hope Gazza stays but I am enjoying the current online trend of everyone gleefully predicting our demise in the last couple of weeks immensely. Due to salary cap restrictions Geelong has drafted kids in recent seasons. It would be much worse if it was the Voldt getting snaffled by the Gold Coast Tampons because the Saints have been topping up for a couple of seasons now.

Geelong's 'bottom out' period isn't for a few years yet. I predict that will be when Scarlo goes that's when the Cats start there nap. If that is the case that gives the Cats a couple of years to groom a successor. If Ablett goes that frees up some salary cap space so that would mean that Geelong would be able to recruit a ready made star into our side. As for the Gold Coast, they had better recruit a Ling type, a Selwood type, a Bartel type and a Max Rooke type because they will need that sort of player in the midfield to provide the protection to which Gaz has been accustomed. If they don't he'll end up like Chris Judd getting smashed all the time with inexperienced youngsters in the midfield around him. I reckon the Coast are miles off it and it will be years before they finish ahead of the Cats.

The people who are trumpeting Geelong's demise appear to be Essendon and typically, Hawks supporters but everyone's had about about enough of us. Sorry blokes, we aren't going anywhere even if Gazza does goes. Now if Scarlo goes, that's a different matter entirely.

IN STEVEN WELLS I TRUST.

regards,

REB

[Moe]

Obviously I hope Gazza stays but I am enjoying the current online trend of everyone gleefully predicting our demise in the last couple of weeks immensely. Due to salary cap restrictions Geelong has drafted kids in recent seasons. It would be much worse if it was the Voldt getting snaffled by the Gold Coast Tampons because the Saints have been topping up for a couple of seasons now.

Geelong's 'bottom out' period isn't for a few years yet. I predict that will be when Scarlo goes that's when the Cats start there nap. If that is the case that gives the Cats a couple of years to groom a successor. If Ablett goes that frees up some salary cap space so that would mean that Geelong would be able to recruit a ready made star into our side. As for the Gold Coast, they had better recruit a Ling type, a Selwood type, a Bartel type and a Max Rooke type because they will need that sort of player in the midfield to provide the protection to which Gaz has been accustomed. If they don't he'll end up like Chris Judd getting smashed all the time with inexperienced youngsters in the midfield around him. I reckon the Coast are miles off it and it will be years before they finish ahead of the Cats.

The people who are trumpeting Geelong's demise appear to be Essendon and typically, Hawks supporters but everyone's had about about enough of us. Sorry blokes, we aren't going anywhere even if Gazza does goes. Now if Scarlo goes, that's a different matter entirely.

IN STEVEN WELLS I TRUST.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

Put it this way Moe. If Gazza goes we are still bloody miles ahead of when Colbert and Ayres left. Our club was nearly out the door. At the very least we've got to enjoy two flags and I reckon we are a fairly good shot at a third, despite what the desperate fans of other clubs may wish for.

regards,

REB

[Strawb]

Obviously I hope Gazza stays but I am enjoying the current online trend of everyone gleefully predicting our demise in the last couple of weeks immensely. Due to salary cap restrictions Geelong has drafted kids in recent seasons. It would be much worse if it was the Voldt getting snaffled by the Gold Coast Tampons because the Saints have been topping up for a couple of seasons now.

Geelong's 'bottom out' period isn't for a few years yet. I predict that will be when Scarlo goes that's when the Cats start there nap. If that is the case that gives the Cats a couple of years to groom a successor. If Ablett goes that frees up some salary cap space so that would mean that Geelong would be able to recruit a ready made star into our side. As for the Gold Coast, they had better recruit a Ling type, a Selwood type, a Bartel type and a Max Rooke type because they will need that sort of player in the midfield to provide the protection to which Gaz has been accustomed. If they don't he'll end up like Chris Judd getting smashed all the time with inexperienced youngsters in the midfield around him. I reckon the Coast are miles off it and it will be years before they finish ahead of the Cats.

The people who are trumpeting Geelong's demise appear to be Essendon and typically, Hawks supporters but everyone's had about about enough of us. Sorry blokes, we aren't going anywhere even if Gazza does goes. Now if Scarlo goes, that's a different matter entirely.

IN STEVEN WELLS I TRUST.

regards,

REB

Well put REB i don't think Gaz will go he just wanted to see whats on the table. Nothing wrong with taking a look The Gold Coast will be like the bears if they are not careful.

[Moe]

Put it this way Moe. If Gazza goes we are still bloody miles ahead of when Colbert and Ayres left. Our club was nearly out the door. At the very least we've got to enjoy two flags and I reckon we are a fairly good shot at a third, despite what the desperate fans of other clubs may wish for.

regards,

REB

Could not agree more REB. Glad you mentioned Max in your Blog. Much underrated by people other than cats fans. We have lost one player from a premiership side with only age lingering over Milburn, plus Hunt to come back. Malthouse's clock stuck at 12 for us for at least 1 more season. Now if only the redlegs could wake up my life would be great.

[Hondo]

Sorry to rain on this Geelong dynasty parade but there's more than just Milburn!

Mooney, Rooke, Corey, Scarlett, Ottens, Chapman, Enright, Ling, Wojo are all age 29 and > next year

But TBH I don't know enough about your young lads to know for sure how things will pan out in the next few years. But it's a decent chunk of ageing talent while the GC and WS take most of the best young talent in the next few drafts.

x 2 if Gazza goes there (don't think he will though = phew for you!)

Not trying to be a wet blanket - just trying to be realistic. I will admit Geelong are a better chance for the 2010 flag than I gave them credit for after the loss in the 2008 GF. I was really impressed with how they responded this year. Great side.

[acockfromwayback]

Geelong
StKilda
Collingwood
Western Bulldogs
Hawthorn
Carlton
Brisbane
Adelaide

for top eight next year.

I dont think the loss of Ablett would make to cats totally bomb out, i think the time it happens(if it happens) you'll be getting less out of the other key players Scarlett, Ling, Corey, Mooney(if he wasn't useless enough already) so that would play a big part also. Its a team game, but Ablett is a freak and would be the biggest recruiting heist in recent years.

[Rik E Boy]

Sorry to rain on this Geelong dynasty parade but there's more than just Milburn!

Mooney, Rooke, Corey, Scarlett, Ottens, Chapman, Enright, Ling, Wojo are all age 29 and > next year

But TBH I don't know enough about your young lads to know for sure how things will pan out in the next few years. But it's a decent chunk of ageing talent while the GC and WS take most of the best young talent in the next few drafts.

x 2 if Gazza goes there (don't think he will though = phew for you!)

Not trying to be a wet blanket - just trying to be realistic. I will admit Geelong are a better chance for the 2010 flag than I gave them credit for after the loss in the 2008 GF. I was really impressed with how they responded this year. Great side.

This isn't really a Dynasty parade, more like a Discovery session (that bit was for mal, although that was a bit Off the Wall). Someone wrote that Gold Coast will be better off than Geelong for the rest of Gazza's career. Yeah when those guys go we will slide down the ladder but Geelong don't bottom out folks, Our lowest ever finish is 12th. We got a couple of F/S guns in the last decade but the majority of our squad was built through excellent list management with only one two top ten draft picks (Tenace and Selwood). While the current guns can't go on forever the number one benefit of the current era is that now Geelong is a club that does things properly, instead of the joke club from the sticks. This means that when we stop kicking arse we will rebuild quicker than most IMO.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

Mooney(if he wasn't useless enough already)

Mooney is a key part of Geelong's structure. Do you remember the game against the Western Bulldogs when he was out? Our attack was absolutely shot to pieces. Mooney straigtens us up, takes marks and creates goals. His only problem is his conversion. A lot of people are very hard on Moons just because he got an AA he probably didn't deserve and because he carrys on like a pork chop at times. People hate Mooney for what they love about Richo, he wears his heart on his sleeve.

Mooney can't win with some people. If he kicks 70 goals in a season it's because he has the best delivery. If he is one of the leaders in goal assists he is not taking responsibility. I even saw one post on another site that had Trent Hentschell better than him. Mooney has the reputation of being overrated but for me I reckon he is very underrated by many football fans. And how do I know this? I watch Geelong every week, even during summer. Mooney rocks. Get with the program.

regards,

REB