Gary Ablett Jnr Honours Father in Emotional Hall of Fame Induction
Tears welled in Gary Ablett Jnr’s eyes as he delivered a heartfelt tribute to his legendary father following his own induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. The Geelong icon was among six distinguished individuals welcomed into the elite club, a momentous occasion that arrived precisely 21 years after his father, Gary Ablett Snr – affectionately known as ‘The Little Master’ – was similarly honoured in his first year of eligibility.
While Gary Ablett Snr was unable to attend the presentation in Melbourne on Tuesday night, his son expressed his certainty that he would have been watching from home. “I can still remember being a kid, watching you play football and thinking: ’when I grow up, I want to be just like you,” Ablett Jnr shared, his voice thick with emotion.
He continued to speak of the profound impact his father had on his early life and career. “I feel very blessed to have been able to hang around the football club with (brother) Nathan, watch you train, and play the game you love. To see how you went about your career, the competitor you are – which, clearly, age hasn’t hindered. Even playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who goes first in a game takes 40 minutes.”
Ablett Jnr expressed deep gratitude for his father’s unwavering support and unconditional love. “I’m grateful for how you’ve never pressured me into football, encouraging me to give everything a go and for always telling me you’ll always love me for who I am, not for what I do. Those words meant a lot to me, and I now speak them over my own children. Thanks for being the dad you’ve always been. I love you.”
Ablett Jnr’s induction marked the sixth and final announcement of the evening. He was preceded by a stellar group of inductees: Tim Evans, John Worsfold, David Kantilla, Hayden Kennedy, and Dustin Fletcher.
Bill Walker Elevated to Legend Status
Adding another significant chapter to the night’s proceedings, Western Australian icon Bill Walker was formally recognised as the game’s 34th Legend. This esteemed promotion acknowledges his exceptional contributions and enduring legacy in Australian Rules Football.
A Look at the 2023 Inductees and Legend
The Australian Football Hall of Fame welcomed a collection of the sport’s finest talents and contributors. Here’s a closer look at those honoured:
Gary Ablett Jnr: A true superstar of the modern era, Ablett Jnr’s career is etched in AFL history. He played a remarkable 357 games, including 247 across two stints with Geelong. His trophy cabinet boasts premierships in 2007 and 2009, the latter shared with his brother Nathan. His seismic move to the Gold Coast Suns for their inaugural season in 2011 remains one of the most impactful transfers in AFL history. As the club’s foundation captain, he achieved a personal milestone by winning his second Brownlow Medal in 2013 with the Suns.
Bill Walker (Legend): Walker’s elevation to Legend status, confirmed earlier in the year, celebrates a career that transcended the V/AFL. He amassed 305 WAFL games for Swan Districts and is the fifth Legend inducted for his outstanding achievements outside the national league.
Tim Evans: Hailing from Port Adelaide, Evans is a celebrated figure in the SANFL. He achieved the remarkable feat of kicking over 1000 goals in his career and led the competition’s season goal tally an astonishing 10 times.
John Worsfold: A rare talent, Worsfold is one of the few individuals to have achieved premiership success as both a captain and a coach. He captained the West Coast Eagles to flags in 1992 and 1994, and later coached them to victory in 2006. His coaching career also included a five-season tenure with the Essendon Bombers following the club’s supplements saga.
David Kantilla (deceased): Recognised as the first Indigenous player in the SANFL, Kantilla left an indelible mark on the game. He played 113 games for South Adelaide between 1961 and 1966. The Tiwi Islander passed away in 1978, and his award was accepted by two of his nephews.
Hayden Kennedy: A titan of umpiring, Kennedy is one of the most experienced officials in the game’s history. He officiated in over 500 AFL games, including 39 finals and five Grand Finals.
In a testament to his dedication and skill, he umpired every home-and-away round in 1995, followed by four weeks of finals – a feat not achieved by an umpire in nearly four decades. He retired in 2011 and dedicated the subsequent decade to coaching umpires.Dustin Fletcher: An Essendon legend, Fletcher made his debut while still a high school student in 1993. He went on to become one of the game’s premier defenders over the next two decades. Retiring in 2015, he had played exactly 400 games, making him one of only six players to reach this elite milestone.
