AFL Legend Geoff Ablett Faces Motor Neurone Disease Battle
Former Hawthorn champion Geoff Ablett has shared the devastating news of his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis, with doctors giving him an estimated six months to a year to live. The diagnosis came just before Christmas Eve in 2025, marking the beginning of what is undoubtedly the toughest challenge of his life.
Ablett, a respected figure in Australian Rules Football and brother to Geelong icon Gary and Hawthorn great Kevin, has reportedly been in and out of hospital for much of the past year. Medical professionals have been conducting extensive tests to understand the rapid deterioration of his condition.
Speaking candidly about the diagnosis, Ablett revealed the emotional toll it has taken. “I shed a few tears,” he admitted. “I’ve been told lately, 6 to 12 months living time.”
The former Hawthorn winger, who had previously spoken in January about his condition worsening significantly in recent months, has now lost the ability to walk. His family’s immediate priority is to bring him home from hospital, and they are actively fundraising to ensure he receives the best possible care during this difficult period.
A GoFundMe page has been established by Geoff’s sister, Janice, to help cover the costs associated with his care. Ablett expressed his desire to be at home, finding hospital stays to be “mundane and depressing.” He highlighted the importance of being surrounded by loved ones. “When you’re at home you’re alive and people are there for you,” he told 7News. “They love you and they want to do things with you.”
A Community Rallies: Football World Shows Support
The Australian football community has come together to offer their unwavering support for Geoff Ablett. Among those reaching out is Neale Daniher, a former rival and Essendon great who was himself diagnosed with MND in 2013. Daniher, a tireless advocate for MND research, has sent an inspiring message to Ablett.
“Hi Geoff, Neale Daniher here,” Daniher began. “Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Being footballers who played in the same era, we have both ridden some big bumps on the footy field, but there is no doubt this beast is going to be our toughest battle. Wishing you well. I hope you’re getting plenty of love and support. All the very best, mate.”
Ablett found immense inspiration in Daniher’s message, stating that it has motivated him to “keep pushing on.” He expressed his hope that Daniher will continue to inspire the nation in the fight against MND. “I hope you keep inspiring all of Australia to find an answer to the riddle of this bloody beast,” Ablett responded to 7News. “He’s just an absolute legend, an example to me that I’ve just got to keep pushing on.”
This is not the first time Ablett has publicly praised Daniher’s efforts. Back in January, he acknowledged the significant impact Daniher’s fundraising and advocacy have had on supporting MND sufferers. “A lot of the equipment is here because of funding from what Neale Daniher has done,” Ablett told NewsCorp. “If I buzz for a nurse at night, often two come straight away.”
He further elaborated, “I have been inspired by his journey and want to thank him for what he has done for fellow MND sufferers. It’s a horrible disease and Neale Daniher has helped so much in the fight against it.”
A Storied Career on the Field
Geoff Ablett enjoyed a distinguished career in the VFL, etching his name in the history books with two premierships won with the Hawthorn Football Club. His VFL journey began in 1973, and he went on to play an impressive 202 games for the Hawks. In 1983, he made a move to Richmond before transferring to St Kilda in 1985, where he concluded his playing career at the end of that season.
Ablett often reminisces about his time on the field with a characteristic sense of humour. “Put it this way, no one ever ran away from me bouncing the ball,” he once said. “When they saw me coming, they would say: ‘F*** it, I’d better kick it’.”
The establishment of the GoFundMe page by Geoff’s family underscores the urgent need for support as they navigate this challenging chapter.
