Ablett emerges from quarantine for a final fling

Gary Ablett has trained with his Geelong teammates for the first time since completing quarantine with the curtain closing on his career

Gary Ablett rejoined his Geelong teammates on Tuesday after completing quarantine on the Gold Coast Picture: Getty Images

As Geelong great Gary Ablett resumed training at Southport on Tuesday morning, news filtered through about the retirement of popular Blues veteran Kade Simpson after 341 games.

Blues fans have, at least, one last chance to watch their star.

Provided all goes well with Ablett throughout training this week, the Cats have five more games this season to savour the superstar as he pursues a third premiership with Geelong. Ablett said last year that 2020 would be his final season.

It was a busy morning on the Gold Coast on Tuesday for the 36-year-old and others who had been based in the AFL’s transition hub over the past fortnight, including Richmond’s Shane Edwards and St Kilda’s Dan Hannebery.

Having completed his quarantine requirements, Ablett and his family, along with other Geelong personnel, moved around the corner to the Cats’ current residence.

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Ablett then joined the Geelong squad, which must defeat the Swans on Sunday at Metricon Stadium to secure a double finals chance, for his first proper training session in two months.

Not surprisingly given the dual-Brownlow medallist is in his 19th season, he settled back into the group session with little difficulty.

Cats officials also kept a close eye on skipper Joel Selwood, who has missed the past four matches with a knee niggle, as he completed a series of running drills.

Geelong is weighing up the benefits of unleashing the champions against the Swans to build match sharpness ahead of the finals or allowing them to build their fitness in training.

Starting anew from a break in the finals series is something that can test even the best of players, but both Selwood and Ablett have proven they have the experience and brilliance to adjust.

Born in 1984, Simpson is nine days older than Ablett. The Cat’s place among the pantheon of greats to play the game is indisputable. But the retirement of a long-time rival serves a warning note for fans of Ablett and other long-time favourites including Carlton forward Eddie Betts.

It is best that fans of the game, regardless of the colours of the team they support, appreciated the final acts of Ablett and any other stars reaching retirement age before they hang up the boots.

Simpson, 36, carved out a wonderful career at Carlton, showing tremendous courage and creativity in the Blues backline throughout an 18-season career.

On the one hand, the left-footer looked like he could go on forever, such was his consistency.

The bravery Simpson played with, despite a light frame, always prompted wonder at how he managed to fare so well in a league of strong men.

Former teammate and current coach David Teague praised Simpson’s career.

“You look at Simmo’s build when he walked through the doors in 2002. Nobody would have believed that guy would go on to play the third most games in the history of our football club,” he said.

“What we didn’t know then was the size of Simmo’s heart, his absolute, never-say-die commitment to get the job done for his teammates, his coaches and our members and supporters.

“He has given everything he possibly can to Carlton. This club simply could not have asked for any more from him and, for that, we will forever be grateful.

“When this season is over, Simmo will rightly take his place amongst the greatest players to ever wear the Navy Blue guernsey.”

Simpson’s exit follows recent retirement announcements by Bomber Tom Bellchambers, Hawthorn captain Ben Stratton and decorated small forward Paul Puopolo, along with Simpson’s mates Bryce Gibbs and Matthew Kreuzer.

Bellchambers, who has spent 13 seasons at Essendon, said; “Physically, my body is telling me my time is up and I go out knowing that I couldn’t have given any more to this great club.”

Even for someone like Simpson, who seems to have been around for eternity, when the end comes, it can do so quickly.

Geelong superstar Gary Ablett was released from the AFL transition hub this morning and has already impressed his coaches at training. https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3 @TomBrowne7 #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/XfKmfPm42L

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) September 15, 2020