Gary Ablett won’t be traded by Gold Coast Suns, manager Liam Pickering says
GARY Ablett will play out his career with Gold Coast despite suggestions the Suns could seek to trade the champion midfielder, manager Liam Pickering says.
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GARY Ablett will play out his career with Gold Coast despite suggestions the Suns could seek to trade the champion midfielder, manager Liam Pickering says.
Ablett has been down on form this season and is “battered” and “bruised” after returning from a serious shoulder injury and then battling a calf complaint and a bout of concussion that saw him miss last week’s hammering at the hands of Adelaide.
It prompted former Carlton captain Mark Maclure to suggest the Suns should trade Ablett as soon as possible.
But Pickering, who orchestrated Ablett’s move to Gold Coast from Geelong at the end of 2010, said the dual Brownlow Medal winner won’t be leaving the besieged Suns.
“Gary didn’t go there to go and play at a third club. So something remarkable would have to happen for him to go anywhere but the Gold Coast,” he said.
“I am telling you right now that he is not going anywhere. Point blank, full stop.”
Ablett, who turned 32 two weeks ago, has been below his best this season despite averaging 26.6 disposals per game as the Suns struggle for form amid another injury-ravaged season.
After winning the first three games, the Suns have lost their past six, including big losses to Geelong (120 points), Melbourne (73), GWS (91) and Adelaide (75) with a maiden finals berth appearing some way off.
But Pickering said Ablett won’t be seeking out the possibility for success at another club, even if some inquire about securing the champion midfielder.
He said Ablett won’t even entertain the idea.
“Why would you? He’s contracted for two more years and he’s the captain,” Pickering said.
“If they (other clubs) approach they approach. I have no intention of seeking anyone out. He’s contracted and he’s the captain.
“I’m telling you where it sits right now — he’s just signed a new deal in the middle of last year ... until the end of 2018. He will be seeing that contract out unless something remarkable happens.”
Some have suggested Gold Coast are on the verge of a rebuild — something the club emphatically denies — and could approach the skipper to discuss the possibility of agreeing to a trade.
Pickering said that’s not an option.
“It would be the most ludicrous thing I’ve ever heard,” he told SEN. “People even discussing it this week, I just can’t believe it.
“It’s ridiculous. It’s the most ridiculous thing of all time. He’s the best player in the AFL.
“There are people out there who ... all of a sudden all the pressure is on Gary. He’s carried them on his back for five years.”
Originally published as Gary Ablett won’t be traded by Gold Coast Suns, manager Liam Pickering says
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