Geelong president Colin Carter says Gary Ablett’s longevity at the top makes him an all-time great

ROGER Federer, Tom Brady and ... Gary Ablett. The comparison might raise eyebrows for some but Geelong’s president says the Cats’ favourite son is one of a kind.

GEELONG president Colin Carter has compared Gary Ablett to two of the world’s greatest sportsman, Tom Brady and Roger Federer.

The Cats boss revealed a number of factors were considered before the green light was given to getting the 33-year-old back wearing the blue and white hoops.

And like Brady and Federer, Carter sees Ablett as an exception to the rule.

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“There are people who are freaks,” Carter said.

“Look at Tom Brady, he’s 40, and Roger Federer, most of us fall off the cliff before that, but not everybody does.”

Brady, 40, is one of only two players to win five Super Bowls with the New England Patriots quarterback suiting up again next season.

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Gary Ablett is teaming up with Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield. Pic: Michael Klein

Federer recently became the oldest world No. 1 in tennis at the age of 36 after having won his 20th grand slam title at the Australian Open.

In a revealing interview in the Herald Sun Footy Magazine — which is out on Saturday — Ablett explains his burning desire for success at the club where his career started back in 2002.

“I don’t feel I have got a point to prove,” he said.

Roger Federer celebrates another grand slam title.

Tom Brady is regarded as one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks. Pic: Getty Images/AFP

“I think for me, as a lot of people know, I am a very competitive person and I’m just excited about getting out there.

“I know I have still got some really good footy left in my body.

“I didn’t come back here to just finish my career off and play a few more games. I have come down here to play finals and to win a premiership.”