AUSTRALIA WILL BE without star player Gary Ablett for the upcoming International Rules series against Ireland.
The AFL announced this morning that Ablett has withdrawn from Chris Scott’s squad for the two-match series due to personal reasons.
Ablett is considered one of the all-time AFL greats, having won All-Australian honours (the Australian version of the All-Stars) eight times, while he’s also a two-time Brownlow medalist (Footballer of the Year).
He made 302 appearances during his 15-year career with Geelong Cats and Gold Coast Suns, but was set to make his International Rules debut at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Advertisement
Ablett was named in Scott’s provisional squad back in October, but days later his sister Natasha died suddenly. Shortly after her death, the 33-year-old negotiated a trade from Gold Coast back to his first club Geelong so he could be closer to his family.
Incidentally, the International Rules series would have been a first opportunity for Ablett to play under Scott, who’s also in charge of Ablett’s new club Geelong.
Club-mates Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood are also part of the star-studded Australian squad.
When pre-season begins at Geelong, Ablett will play alongside Irishmen Zach Tuohy – who’s part of the Irish squad for Sunday – and Dingle youngster Mark O’Connor.
An AFL spokesman said a replacement player would not be called, leaving Scott with 21 players to choose from for the two-game series.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Australia's most decorated player drops out of International Rules series for personal reasons
AUSTRALIA WILL BE without star player Gary Ablett for the upcoming International Rules series against Ireland.
The AFL announced this morning that Ablett has withdrawn from Chris Scott’s squad for the two-match series due to personal reasons.
Ablett is considered one of the all-time AFL greats, having won All-Australian honours (the Australian version of the All-Stars) eight times, while he’s also a two-time Brownlow medalist (Footballer of the Year).
He made 302 appearances during his 15-year career with Geelong Cats and Gold Coast Suns, but was set to make his International Rules debut at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
Ablett was named in Scott’s provisional squad back in October, but days later his sister Natasha died suddenly. Shortly after her death, the 33-year-old negotiated a trade from Gold Coast back to his first club Geelong so he could be closer to his family.
Incidentally, the International Rules series would have been a first opportunity for Ablett to play under Scott, who’s also in charge of Ablett’s new club Geelong.
Club-mates Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood are also part of the star-studded Australian squad.
When pre-season begins at Geelong, Ablett will play alongside Irishmen Zach Tuohy – who’s part of the Irish squad for Sunday – and Dingle youngster Mark O’Connor.
An AFL spokesman said a replacement player would not be called, leaving Scott with 21 players to choose from for the two-game series.
For an in-depth look at how the Australian preparations are going, have a look at our piece here.
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
How are the Aussies shaping up ahead of Sunday’s International Rules opener in Adelaide?
Derek McGrath to stay in charge of Waterford hurlers for a fifth season
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
AFL GAA Gary Ablett International Rules international rules 2017 Superstar