Injury rules Gary Ablett Jr out of Myrtleford clash for the time being

An Ovens and Murray league club will have to wait a little bit longer to have one of the best players in AFL history pull on its jumper. Here’s why.

Gary Ablett playing for Creswick last year. His appearance for Myrtleford has been delayed due to injury. Photo by Josh Chadwick

Myrtleford supporters will have to wait a little longer to see Gary Ablett Jr.

The Ovens and Murray league club, who are winless in 2023, have confirmed Ablett will not play this weekend.

Earlier this year it was confirmed Ablett would play a game for the team made famous by his father Gary Ablett Sr.

Gary Ablett Junior had 25 possessions and kicked two goals in a cameo appearance for Drouin in the Gippsland league last year. Picture: Daniel Heathcote (supplied)

Ablett Jr was set to play in round six against Corowa Rutherglen on May 11 but Myrtleford president Ian Wales confirmed his appearance had been delayed.

“It won’t be happening as he is injured at the moment,” he revealed.

“It might happen later in the year.”

Wales added Ablett Jr has agreed to play for multiple clubs during the year, like he did last year.

The 357-game AFL player played in Cairns as well as playing for Creswick (Central Highlands) and Drouin (Gippsland) in 2023.

“He agreed to a game as long as he was alright,” Wales said.

“He agreed with three to four other clubs as well but they are in the same position with him as he is to us (about when he plays).”

Myrtleford takes on Corowa Rutherglen with both teams needing a win.

The Saints have not won in 18 matches with the Kangaroos not winning since 2022, 10 games ago, after being in recess last year.

Wales is confident of a good showing.

“We’ve been competitive in a strong comp,” he said.

“We’ve been around the mark but just haven’t got there (for a win yet).”