Gary Ablett Jr. Cemented in AFL Pantheon, Joins Father in Hall of Fame
The Australian Football League world is abuzz with accolades as dual premiership champion Gary Ablett Jr. has been officially inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. The former superstar for both the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns achieved the significant honour at a star-studded gala event held at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium on Tuesday evening. This induction sees him take his place alongside his legendary father, Gary Ablett Sr., a figure often affectionately referred to as ‘God’ by adoring fans during his own illustrious playing career and widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever grace the game.
While Gary Ablett Sr. cast an enormous shadow in the sport, the younger Ablett, often simply known as “Gaz,” forged his own remarkable identity and etched his name into AFL folklore. As his former Geelong teammate Tom Harley eloquently noted in a video tribute during the ceremony, “The son of a champion, bore the same name, expectations quite rightly could be felt to be through the roof – but Gaz seemed quite disaffected by that. There’s the romance of the Ablett name and the Ablett family, but he carved his own identity very quickly.”
Ablett Jr.’s journey in the AFL commenced in 2001 when he joined the Geelong Cats under the father-son selection rule. His AFL debut followed the next year, and it wasn’t long before he became an integral and dominant force in one of the league’s most formidable midfields. His exceptional talent and leadership were instrumental in powering the Cats to premiership victories in both 2007 and 2009. Coincidentally, his second premiership triumph in 2009 also marked the year he secured the first of his two coveted Brownlow Medals.
In 2011, the now 42-year-old Ablett transitioned to become the marquee player for the newly formed Gold Coast Suns, spearheading their entry into the AFL. He proudly captained the Suns for six seasons and went on to claim his second Brownlow Medal in 2013, further solidifying his individual brilliance. Following his impactful tenure on the Gold Coast, Ablett returned to the Geelong Cats for a second stint from 2018 to 2020, aiming to add a third premiership to his already stellar career.
Tragically, his hopes of a fairytale premiership ending were dashed when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the opening minutes of the 2020 Grand Final. The Richmond Tigers ultimately triumphed, marking a poignant and challenging conclusion to Ablett Jr.’s extraordinary playing career.
A Legacy Shared: Father and Son in the Hall of Fame
While Gary Ablett Sr. was not present at the induction ceremony, Ablett Jr. expressed his profound honour at joining his father in the esteemed Hall of Fame. The broader AFL community has enthusiastically celebrated the 42-year-old’s induction, acknowledging the indelible mark he has left on the sport.
Reflecting on the comparisons that have long been drawn between himself and his father, Ablett Jr. commented, “I know we get compared a lot. I think we were very different players and I don’t like to compare players. Each player brings something to the game that maybe another player doesn’t and Dad could do things that I couldn’t, and I got to win a Brownlow, which he didn’t.” This nuanced perspective highlights his respect for his father’s unique talents while celebrating his own distinct achievements.
The night also saw other significant figures recognised for their contributions to Australian Rules Football:
- Bill Walker: The West Australian great was elevated to Legend status, becoming the 34th individual to receive this highest honour.
- John Worsfold: The former West Coast premiership captain and coach was inducted, celebrated for his dual impact on and off the field.
- Dustin Fletcher: The Essendon games record holder was recognised for his enduring and remarkable career.
- David Kantilla: An Indigenous champion whose talent and influence on the game were celebrated.
- Tim Evans: The prolific goal-kicking machine from Port Adelaide earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
- Hayden Kennedy: A five-time AFL Grand Final umpire, acknowledged for his consistent and exceptional officiating.
The induction of Gary Ablett Jr. into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, joining his father in this prestigious echelon, is a fitting tribute to a player who transcended expectations and carved out a legacy of individual brilliance and team success. His journey from the son of a legend to a legend in his own right is a story that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
