The 26-year-old, who recently signed a lucrative deal to move to the Gold Coast, was initially presented to the Geelong supporters along with each of his teammates.
He later addressed the crowd when his achievement of being named All Australian vice-captain was acknowledged.
“I’m going all right, but I was a bit nervous about coming along tonight,” the 2009 Brownlow Medallist told more than 1700 Cats fans who packed into the Palladium on Thursday night.
After his words were greeted by thunderous cheers, he continued by saying: “This club has meant a lot to me. I grew up supporting Geelong and I’ve played here for the last nine years.
“That’s the reason I really wanted to come along tonight. I just want to thank everyone from the supporters to everyone who works at the club and the players.
“I really appreciate everything and I’ll never forget the success we’ve had and the friendships I’ve made along the way.”
But Geelong coach Mark Thompson responded by stating he doesn’t believe Ablett made the right decision.
“I wish Gary all the best. There’s been a lot said about him and I and all that sort of stuff,” Thompson said.
“To be honest it doesn’t really matter. He’s gone and it’s sad. We would’ve loved him to have stayed and I would’ve loved him to have stayed.
“I actually think it would’ve been the best decision for him to stay long term, but that’s only my opinion. He had the choice to make.
“Don’t be all doomy and gloomy about it. Gary goes and we get two first-round picks and some salary cap relief.”
After thanking Ablett for his efforts in helping Geelong win the 2007 and ’09 premierships, club president Frank Costa also rubbished the idea that Ablett’s departure will result in the Cats sliding down the ladder.
“To all those media people who have been quoting some stupid nonsense about the end of an era, they ought to come along and have a look at what’s here tonight,” Costa said.
“This club’s just getting going.”
