Gary Ablett is determined to play through the pain
GOLD Coast has lauded Gary Ablett’s bravery to play through pain as the club investigates the conduct of a post-match abusive fan.
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GOLD Coast has lauded Gary Ablett’s bravery to play through pain as the club investigates the conduct of a post-match abusive fan.
Ablett has been playing through knee, shoulder and calf injuries and has admitted he has subconsciously played to protect himself.
He was quiet in the 73-point smashing at the hands of Melbourne then afterwards tried to placate a fan in the corporate area.
It is understood fans close to the man were visibly distressed by the patron, who the club believes is a member.
Police at Metricon Stadium took down his details after ejecting him, with an investigation on Monday to consider whether that membership is suspended or revoked.
Ablett is in a no-win situation about his own body: criticised about not playing through pain before, commentators now wonder whether he should rest until his injuries heal.
But Gold Coast football boss Marcus Ashcroft said Ablett was determined to keep leading the Suns.
“That is why you have to give him credit. His team is under siege a bit, we are not playing the way we would like but the captain keeps putting up his hand to play,” he said.
“Ultimately Gaz knows his body better than anyone else. No one goes into a game 100 per cent, but structurally his shoulder and knee are fine.
“He is just a bit banged up from the way he has played over his career.”
Of Ablett’s intervention against the irate fan, Ashcroft said: “At the time Gaz just went over to calm him down and he was pretty emotional.
“He tried to calm him down because there were kids around. It was pretty loud, otherwise Gaz wouldn’t have done what he did.”
Suns spokesman Stephen Wilson said the club would officially investigate the incident.
“Whilst supporting your team and being emotionally invested in the match is a vital part of the game, the club will protect the family friendly environment we have and our members expect at Metricon Stadium.”
“Customers must adhere to the entry terms and conditions of Metricon Stadium for all events at the venue and in addition the club has a member code of conduct that members and their guests need to comply with to ensure our family friendly environment is preserved.”
Under the members’ code of conduct breaches can include foul language, or any action that sees someone “feel resentful, upset, threatened or annoyed”.
Gold Coast now faces a brutal month ahead — GWS at Spotless Stadium, Adelaide (home), West Coast (Subiaco) then Sydney at Metricon.
Alex Sexton had surgery on a broken arm yesterday, while Matt Rosa will miss several weeks with a hamstring strain.
Originally published as Gary Ablett is determined to play through the pain
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