But Ablett junior will not wear the number five straight away, preferring to earn his stripes - or hoops - in a more anonymous guernsey.
Young Ablett was signed to a three-year contract after being recruited under the father-son rule, with Geelong giving up its third-round draft pick in exchange.
The senior Ablett played 242 games for the Cats after a brief spell at Hawthorn.
Beginning his career as a midfield/half-forward, Ablett was later used as a full-forward.
He won the Norm Smith medal in Geelong's losing 1989 grand final team, kicking nine goals in a trademark display of his brilliance and strength.
He was named in the club's team of the century earlier this year and was a three-time recipient of the Coleman Medal for the AFL's leading goalkicker.
The younger Ablett, 17, was not expected to make his mark at senior level in 2002, but had starred in junior football as a midfielder.
He played all games for Geelong Falcons in the Victorian under 18s this season and was selected in the Victorian Country Teal Cup team.
