Geelong star Gary Ablett says being a dad now his number one job
Gary Ablett may be hunting his third AFL premiership this September but the Geelong star says footy is no longer his No. 1 job. The Geelong star opens up about being a dad as he and wife Jordan celebrate their first Father’s Day with son Levi.
Fiona Byrne
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Geelong superstar Gary Ablett says fatherhood, not footy, is now his No. 1 job.
The Cats great is celebrating his first Father’s Day today with son Levi and wife Jordan and has spoken of the profound joy parenthood has brought him.
“Family is something that’s always been important to me but ever since becoming a dad, Levi has helped put a lot of things into perspective,” Gary said.
“Football has been a big part of my life for a really long time … I’m very blessed to be living my dream but my number one job now is being the best father that I can be for Levi.”
The couple are devoted to their eight-month-old son, although Gary is not placing any expectations on his gorgeous blue-eyed boy to follow his lead into football.
“I’m sure at some stage I’ll be introducing him to a footy but ultimately, I want him to be able to try as many different activities as he can,” he said.
“I want him to discover what he’s passionate about and what it is that he wants to pursue.”
Ablett also paid tribute to his father, AFL superstar Gary Ablett (senior).
“Father’s Day isn’t the only day in the year that I celebrate my dad, but the day is a great reminder to take the time to stop and acknowledge the support he’s given us and the sacrifices he’s made for our family,” he said.
Parenthood is a gift the young couple are grateful for and they are sharing their happiness in a campaign for Australian Fashion brands Bardot and Bardot Junior.
“We’ve created a gift for my husband that is both beautiful and sentimental.
“We’ve captured a very personal campaign that our family will cherish for many years to come,” Jordan said.
“Family is everything to me.
“Gary has stepped into fatherhood with such ease, as though he’s been doing it for years.
“He’s always been a calm and patient person, but he’s taken his patience to a whole new level.
“Watching him be the dad he is makes me so grateful and so proud.
“I couldn’t have chosen a better person to parent with and I’m so thankful that Levi has him as a father and as an example to follow.”
And she added that she and Gary would love to have more children.
“Absolutely. We’re in no rush but we definitely desire to have a big family,” she said.
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