GEELONG coach Chris Scott has lauded Gary Ablett's ability to thrive in the forward line after the Cats superstar put on a scintillating performance to bury the Eagles on Sunday.
On the day Geelong celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its 2009 premiership triumph, Ablett showed he was still a force of the competition with two goals, 28 disposals and five goal assists.
Ablett's move to the forward line since re-joining the Cats has been a constant talking point, but Scott said the veteran's willingness to adapt to the new position was never in question.
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"We're full of admiration for him. There's I guess some queries on the outside as to how he might accept his new role (but) so far so good it seems," Scott said.
"I never really understood the questioning because there's just no inkling that he wasn't prepared to play where the coaching group wanted him to.
"He's getting some reward … and players who have dominated one position and got to the twilight years of their career and shifted, I think we admire the ones who can take on a new role and show the world they can play that one just as well."
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Ablett has endured an injury-plagued few years and Scott said getting some continuity in his body was key to his good form.
"Ablett pulls out the winning ticket!"#AFLCatsEagles pic.twitter.com/5bbzMwEFSY
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"He had a few hiccups early last year and as an industry we can underrate how difficult it is to reach the peak of your powers when you're limited physically," he said.
"So, the fact he's in pretty good shape (now) is helping him."
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Geelong's 58-point demolition of the reigning premiers leaves the Cats a game clear on top of the ladder.
It also leaves the club facing headaches at the selection table, with this week's omissions Jordan Clark (rested) and Brandan Parfitt (injured) facing a battle to get themselves back in the team.
But Scott said this was a good problem to have, while indicating that Clark was almost certain to play next week against Essendon.
Scott also lauded his side's new-look forward line, which has worked well together with new recruits Gary Rohan – who kicked four goals on Sunday – and Luke Dahlhaus.
The Cats are currently the number one ranked scoring side in the competition.
"It's a big improvement in terms of cohesion (and) continuity and it's amazing how often those two things lead to better output," he said.
"One of the pleasing things is it's been a different couple of players in that group who've taken control each week.
"Gary Rohan's done it a couple of weeks in a row but I thought (Esava) Ratugolea was jumping at the ball really well tonight … and looked a threat.
"Ablett's not a bad ground level forward either it turns out."
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