Gary Ablett backs Jobe Watson as he mulls Essendon comeback

BROWNLOW hero Gary Ablett has backed fellow winner Jobe Watson as he weighs up his football future, and has labelled a Cat his top pick for this year’s medal winner.

BROWNLOW hero Gary Ablett has backed fellow winner Jobe Watson as he weighs up his football future.

“Obviously, there’s talk about his future and whether he’s going to play on or not,” Ablett said.

“That’ll be a decision he’ll have to make based on what’s right for him and his family, and good luck whatever he chooses.”

Gary Ablett and his wife Jordan are selling a Brownlow medal experience. Picture: Ian Currie

Doubt remains over whether Watson will return to Essendon. He is not expected to attend the Brownlow next week as a cloud hangs over his 2012 medal win.

The Suns superstar said he was pleased to see the suspended Bombers return to their clubs.

“I’m sure a lot of them are looking forward to jumping into a preseason and hopefully having a big year next year,” he said.

Ablett visited Sam & Ko this week to get his suit for football’s night of nights.

He backed Geelong gun Patrick Dangerfield to win the medal after “a fantastic season”.

“I think he’ll be hard to beat,” Ablett said.

He and wife Jordan said they were excited to “let our hair down”.

“I’m really looking forward to getting along to it and catching up with the Geelong boys and wishing them good luck for hopefully the Grand Final,” Ablett said.

The Abletts are using Brownlow night to raise money for the Gateway Children’s Fund by auctioning off a behind-the-scenes experience. The winner will enjoy drinks with the couple before they walk the red carpet, and join them for breakfast the next day. “It’ll be a late night,” Ablett laughed. “But we’ll be fine, we’ll make sure we set a few alarms.”

Jordan said they were passionate about supporting the charity which builds preschools for disadvantaged kids in Papua New Guinea. “Rather than going over and fixing the problem for them, it’s more about ... educating them, equipping them.”

The auction closes on Wednesday - www.leonardjoel.com.au

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Originally published as Gary Ablett backs Jobe Watson as he mulls Essendon comeback