Media Watch
300 games later we still want to know if Ablett will be a Cat
The Australian, Greg Denham
June 21
The last thing Gary Ablett wanted to talk about yesterday was the only thing the public wants to know — what are his plans for next year?
Well, he gave us nothing, which wasn’t surprising because he is contracted to play for Gold Coast, and his future has been the subject of monthly speculation ever since he requested a trade back to Geelong last October.
Earlier this year he increased conjecture over his future when he said seeking a trade to his original club, or retiring if that didn’t happen, was not out of the question.
Five days out from Ablett’s 300th game, at a press conference to celebrate the milestone, the obvious question was asked, but not answered.
300 games, but Gold Coast champion craves more success
The Age, Andrew Stafford
June 20
There was a mix of cliche and poignancy about Gary Ablett's press conference to mark his imminent 300th game, against St Kilda on Sunday.
"The dream was to always play one AFL game," was his initial offer. And later: "I'm sure at the end of my football career it's something I'll be able to look back on and enjoy more."
The poignancy, though, came when Ablett was asked about his shift to the Suns, and what had possibly been lost, as well as gained.
Ablett's 300th game will be his 108th in the colours of franchise club the Gold Coast after crossing from Geelong, where his father played 242 games and kicked an astounding 1040 goals, many of them from a wing or forward flank before he became a permanent full forward.
Barlow injury opens door for rookie to claim senior spot
Gold Coast Bulletin, Tom Boswell
June 20
Michael Barlow’s season-ending leg injury has opened the door for in-form Gold Coast rookies Darcy Macpherson and Ryan Davis to stake their claim for a spot on the Suns senior list.
Gold Coast will have the option of putting Barlow, who fractured the fibula in his left leg in the Suns’ loss to Carlton on Saturday, on the long-term injury list and elevating a rookie in his absence.
Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said it was something the club would look at doing but only when, and if, a rookie was considered to be in their best 22 leading into any given game.
“We probably will (elevate a rookie) but at the moment we haven’t even spoken about it,” Ashcroft said.
Medical Report
Sam Day (Hip) Season
Michael Barlow (Broken Leg) Season
Jarrad Grant (Groin) 1-2 weeks
Fresh Faces
Gold Coast has unveiled an array of new faces across the first half of 2017, including ruckman Jarrod Witts, midfielder Jarryd Lyons and playmaker Pearce Hanley. While Hanley has endured a difficult start to his career at Metricon Stadium, Witts and Lyons have played all 12 games so far. Former Collingwood ruckman Witts has been a standout this season for the Suns, averaging 37.2 hitouts and 13.8 disposals. While ex-Crow Lyons is averaging 25.5 disposals and 4.8 tackles. Pick No. 4 in last year’s draft, Ben Ainsworth, is one of a handful of new recruits to debut this season and has played four games, including the last two.
Star
Just when it appeared like the little master was in a decline – by his phenomenal standards – Gary Ablett Jr has roared back to life in 2017, emerging as one of the favourites for the Brownlow Medal. If he was to win it, again, he would draw level with four immortals who have won the game's highest individual honour on three occasions. The 33-year-old will play his 300th game at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, having returned to his brilliant best this year, averaging 31.9 possessions (12.7 contested), 6.8 clearances, 6.0 inside 50s and 6.0 tackles per game. In Round 6, Ablett amassed 45 touches against North and has had 32 or more disposals ion six other games this year.
Stats that matter
The arrival of Jarrod Witts and Jarryd Lyons (averaging 6.3 clearances), the form of Gary Ablett(6.8 clearances) and the return of David Swallow (4.6 clearances) has helped transform the Suns into one of the best clearance teams in the competition this season. Gold Coast is ranked No. 3 for hitouts to advantage differential (+3.2), No. 4 for hitouts differential (+8.4) and No. 5 for clearances differential (+2.6).
Team:
B: J.Joyce, J. Leslie, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: J. Harbrow, S. May, A. Saad
C: A. Sexton, G. Ablett, P. Hanley
HF: J. Lyons, T. Lynch, C. Ah Chee
F: B. Ainsworth, P. Wright, J. Martin
R:J. Witts, B. Fiorini, D. Swallow
Interchange from: J. Lonergan, T. Miller, S. Lemmens, R. Thompson, D. Macpherson, M. Shaw, M. Willis
IN: J. Harbow, C. AhChee, B. Fiorini, T. Miller, R. Thompson, D. Macpherson, M. Shaw
OUT: B. Matera (foot), M. Barlow (leg), A. Hall (hamstring), M. Rosa (suspension)
