Gary Ablett’s Geelong ‘joy’ as he opens up about sister Natasha’s death

GARY Ablett’s Geelong homecoming has come at the end of an “emotional roller coaster” week, with his trade to the Cats to be followed by the funeral for sister, Natasha, on Friday.

Natasha Ablett died last week, leaving her family and the footy world stunned.

GARY Ablett’s Geelong homecoming has come with a heavy heart, with his trade to the Cats to be followed by the funeral for sister, Natasha, on Friday.

Ablett admitted to being on an “emotional rollercoaster”, with Natasha’s tragic death coming only days before returning to the club his family is synonymous with.

“This week has been an emotional roller coaster, however, hearing that I will be returning home has brought both myself and my family some joy during what has been a difficult and painful time,” Ablett said.

“I’m excited to return to where it all began and to get around the club and my new teammates in due time.”

LIVE: ALL THE 2017 TRADES NEWS

Gary Ablett Jr posted this pic on his site after death of his sister Natasha

HE’S HOME: ABLETT RETURNS

Ablett’s passage back to Geelong was cleared only 20 minutes before the trade deadline, with Gold Coast and Geelong finally reaching an agreement in the corridors of Etihad Stadium.

The Cats coughed up the pick 19 they controversially got as compensation for losing free agent Steven Motlop and a future second round selection to the Suns in exchange for Ablett, pick 24 and a future fourth round pick.

Ablett responded by releasing a statement under the headline: “I’m coming home”.

Gary Ablett Jr posted this pic on his site after death of his sister Natasha.

Gary Ablett Jr, front left, aged 11, with his famous Dad Gary; Natasha, 13, Nathan, 10, and Alisha, 8.

Natasha’s funeral will be held in Torquay on Friday.

“It saddens me deeply to have to say goodbye to my beautiful sister who will always be apart of our family,” Ablett said.

“We will miss her everyday! Her gentle spirit, her generosity, her humility and her big smile will never be forgotten.

“I’d also like to thank the fans, supporters and wider community for your thoughts, prayers and heartfelt words. The support has been overwhelming.

“For now, my family and I would like to thank everyone for your ongoing respect of our privacy as we prepare to say a final goodbye to Tash.”

The Brownlow medallist and dual Geelong premiership player signed a two-year deal on drastically reduced money to don the hoops again. He will be 35 when the contract expires.

“I can still remember being super nervous as I made my way down to Simonds Stadium for the first time since becoming a Suns player. I had prepared myself for some serious booing and a really hard time,” Ablett said.

Gary Ablett in Gold Coast Suns colours earlier this year. Picture: Getty

Ablett Jr will be back in the hoops.

I'd like to thank both the GC Suns and the GFC for their support this week and for getting me back home. Head to @exinsight for more info pic.twitter.com/TKAa7EIV6P

— Gary Ablett Jnr (@GaryAblettJnr) October 19, 2017

“However, when I stepped out onto the field, the Geelong crowd cheered me on and showed me nothing but support. I’m really looking forward to getting back and playing for them again!”

Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells admitted the Cats “gave up a bit” for their favourite son.

“But it’s a great story, I think ... particularly having won a best and fairest this year and he’s still got plenty of good footy ahead of him,” Wells said.

“It was no certainty right throughout the trade period, but in the end the Gold Coast did what they always said they would do and tried to help Gary get back to Geelong.”

Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans said: “We completely respect and understand the circumstances as to why Gary has asked to return to Victoria and we wish him and (wife) Jordan and all his family the very best.”