Geelong and Gold Coast should meet quietly to seal Gary Ablett trade after tragic death of his sister

AFTER the tragic death of Gary Ablett’ sister, Natasha, football pales into insignificance. So the Cats and Suns should meet quietly and seal the deal to send the champion back to Geelong and his family.

Gary Ablett has said he could retire if no trade deal is struck with the Cats.

JUST like that, it all means so very little.

They say footy is a religion in these parts, but it’s not life. That was tragically taken away from Natasha Ablett this week.

The endless debate over compensation picks, trade value and club nominations has never seemed so pathetically small.

This time last year a contracted Gary Ablett told Gold Coast he wanted to be traded back to Geelong.

TRAGEDY: ABLETT FAMILY DISTRESSED AFTER NATASHA’S DEATH

JON ANDERSON: TRAGIC DEATH HIGHLIGHTS GARY’S DESIRE TO COME HOME

ABLETT’S LETTER: WHY I NEED TO COME HOME

Cue derision and criticism from far and wide as Ablett gave up the Suns’ captaincy and was accused of everything from selfishness to a lack of professionalism.

But the sceptics over Ablett’s motivations to play for the Cats have been silenced.

We have all been guilty of it. We judge players and question motives, but the reality is we’re casting aspersions from afar.

Gary Ablett and his family are mourning the death of his sister, Natasha.

Gary Ablett wants to return to Geelong. Picture: Getty

Think Adam Saad and his faith or the fact Josh Schache was only five when his dad died and that he was raised by his mum, Rachel, in country Victoria.

Ablett wrote on social media earlier this week: “As everyone knows I have requested a trade to the Geelong Football Club. A lot of people are likely to be making assumptions about why I made this decision; however, only a few people know the reasons why.

“My sisters, my brother, and parents all play a huge role in my life, and it’s time that I make myself more available to them and others back home.”

Understandably, trade negotiations between Geelong and Gold Coast have been put to one side. How can a trade be organised when there’s a funeral to arrange?

When both parties gather back around the trade table next week it will be tender.

Gary Ablett has said he could retire if no trade deal is struck with the Cats.

Gold Coast will face external pressure telling it to get on with it for Ablett’s sake. The Suns can’t be seen to drive too hard a bargain for fear of being portrayed as heartless. On the flip side, Geelong can’t be seen to be lowballing the Suns for fear of being portrayed as exploitative.

It would make sense for both clubs to get together quietly at the next opportunity and find a swift resolution to a deal that’s gone well beyond the need for posturing.

Both clubs on Saturday released statements declaring the “terrible tragedy” had left them “heartbroken”.

As one club official said on Saturday: “There’s no road map for death.”

Everyone handles grief differently.

Ablett has told Suns officials he will retire if a trade arrangement can’t be struck with the Cats. Again, there were sceptics.

But it’s easy to believe him now.