GEELONG premiership forward Nathan Ablett has decided totake a break from AFL football.
Citinga lack of passion, the recently turned 22-year-old read from a preparedstatement on Monday to outline the reasons for reaching his decision less thanfour months after being part of the Cats’ historic 2007 premiership side.
“Ihave decided to have a break from AFL football for the time being,” he said.
“Ifeel as if I don’t have the passion and commitment to continue playing at thehighest level. To do so would therefore be unfair to the club and myteammates.”
Ablettsaid he would consider continuing his career with the club’s VFL side and didnot shut the door on one day returning to AFL ranks.
“Iam planning on getting away from football for now, however I may look tocontinue at VFL level,” he said.
“Being involved in winning a Grand Final is something thatdoesn’t happen to a lot of players and I feel privileged and honoured to bepart of our 2007 premiership team.”
Ablett,who played 32 games in three seasons, including 21 in 2007, will remain on theCats’ senior list for 2008.
Hedid not field questions from the assembled media.
Adisappointed Geelong coach Mark Thompson hoped Ablett would one day return tothe fold but said he needed time away from the game.
“Wewould like to have a bit more time for Nathan to make his mind up completelybecause he hasn't made his mind up completely,” Thompson said.
“Weare hoping that one day he comes back and that one day is pretty soon.
“Ifhe needs a bit of time now we will give him that time and support him whicheverway we can.”
Thompsonsaid from the moment Ablett walked through the Skilled Stadium doors he hadalways sensed the youngster was never fully at ease with the AFL environment.
“Therehas always been something about Nathan that we were a little bit unsure about,”Thompson said.
“Heis not really like a lot of other young men who were actually so passionateabout the game and would do almost anything to play.”
Thompsondoubted Ablett’s absence would impact on older brother Gary.
“Idon't think it is a big thing. I think he enjoyed playing with him but Gary ishis own man, he has got his own career and he is a great player,” he said.
SkipperTom Harley said while Ablett’s loss would be felt, he believed the side hadenough depth to cover the forward’s absence.
“Heobviously feels at this point of time there is more to life and if the passionis not there with anything there is not much choice chasing it because you arenot going to get the best result,” Harley said.
“We’vegot really talented players on the list who can fill the void I reckon. It willbe an interesting journey in the next couple of months and I am definitelyhopeful that he does come back and play.”
Lastseason Ablett showed signs of significant improvement after the club spentmonths convincing him to join its ranks in 2005.
Hekicked at least one goal in 17 of 21 games on route to 34 majors in 2007,including a three-goal effort in the Grand Final win over Port Adelaide.
Lessthan nine weeks later Ablett walked out on the club and requested time to weighup his playing future.
