AFL star Gary Ablett to be dumped as Gold Coast Suns skipper amid family drama

GARY Ablett will be dumped as Gold Coast Suns captain as his family situation in Geelong has “deteriorated”.

GARY Ablett will be dumped as Gold Coast Suns captain as his family situation in Geelong has “deteriorated”.

The Brownlow Medallist will be relieved of the pressure of the club’s top position.

The move comes as Ablett was criticised for going on his honeymoon last week while his Suns team mates returned to training.

The gun midfielder, who has battled through two injury plagued seasons, posted pictures from the strip in Las Vegas, New York’s Madison Square Garden and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

The honeymoon, 11 months after he tied the knot to Jordan Papalia, was cleared by the club.

He controversially requested a return to Geelong during the trade period, which Gold Coast refused.

Ablett revealed the reasons behind his bid to move home in a heart felt message to team mates this week.

“Firstly, I honestly didn’t think it would happen and secondly, the reasons behind it awkwardly restricted me in discussing this with people,’’ Ablett wrote.

Gary Ablett and his wife Jordan are selling a Brownlow medal experience where a fan spends the day with them before the Brownlow and stays at Crown casino. Picture:Ian Currie

“I just want you to know that there has been some pretty significant things going on in my immediate family and have been for a few years now. Over the last 12-18 months things have deteriorated which prompted me to consider the possibility of a trade.

“I just want you guys to know that the club is aware of our circumstances and expressed their care and have offered to support where possible.

“Please know that I am honestly REALLY looking forward to next year and being 100% committed to you boys and the club, despite my own circumstances.”

But many still believe he will return home in 2018.

His wife’s family are also based in Geelong and it is understood that she does not want to stay on the Gold Coast long term.

Ablett was involved in an ugly spat with former teammate Campbell Brown this week, who criticised him for not joining teammates for the start of pre-season

“My mail Suns players filthy Gaz, who messaged all reaffirming commitment 2 club after requesting trade, hasn’t return for day 1 pre season,” Brown tweeted.

Ablett replied: “Mate, you’ve got my number”.

Gary relaxing while on holidays in the United States. Picture: Instagram

Brown told the Sunday Herald Sun yesterday that he stood by his tweets, another which stated Ablett “100% won’t be” captain next year.

“I’m happy with what I said,” Brown said.

“Of course (I stand by it), I wouldn’t have said it otherwise.”

When asked about whether as a player he would have been surprised by a captain’s no show at day one of preseason training, he replied: “Very”.

The Suns approved Ablett’s leave request in September.

A club spokesman said Ablett stayed back for three weeks to rehab his shoulder after the team left for holidays, while a commitment to the Brownlow Medal had also interrupted his travel plans.

But with Hawthorn leader Luke Hodge and Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury returning early, and with Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara leaving the club, Ablett’s day one no-show surprised several players at rival clubs.

Tom Lynch, 24, and Steven May, 25 in January, are the clear favourites to replace Ablett as captain.

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade said this week Ablett was invested in the club.

“We’re empathetic to Gary’s situation,” Eade said.

“We know he’s got family (in Geelong) and there’s things he’s got to work through. He’s very comfortable with where he’s at and he’s looking forward to a big year.’’