I arrived back from Lancefield on Sunday afternoon to learn the disturbing news that Nathan Ablett had walked out on the Geelong Football Club. The younger Ablett was always a reluctant AFL recruit, and it appears as if this year’s premiership medallion may have finally snuffed out his ambition to continue playing at the top level. (It may also have something to do with the impending release of a new biography of his father, although Gary Ablett Sr. denies this). Nate struggled at times in 2007, but his 34-goal haul showed a great deal of promise – and who can forget him out-muscling Darryl Wakelin in the second quarter of this year’s Grand Final? Greater players have folded on lesser stages.

At the moment, the club has wisely decided to give him some time away from the playing group to regroup and consider his future at the club. It’s too late in the year for them to drop Ablett from the list or trade him, which leaves the door open for a comeback sometime next year. Either way, the Cats will cover his absence well. With Cam Mooney, Paul Chapman and a leaner, stronger Tomahawk to pick up the slack, there’s no reason the Geelong forward line won’t be able to kick enough goals to go back-to-back in ’08. But let’s hope he clears things up and gets back in the saddle before Christmas. I’d love to see him in action at the sharp end of next season.