Gary Ablett Jnr has paid an emotional tribute to the “overwhelming” support he received after the death of his sister.
The superstar’s “emotional rollercoaster” ended in the last hour of AFL trading on Thursday when the Gold Coast Suns sent him home to Geelong.
The agreement brought Ablett and his family “some joy” as they struggled with Natasha’s death, he said.
Ablett thanked both clubs, his fans, supporters and “the wider community”.
“The support has been overwhelming,” he said.
“It saddens me deeply to have to say goodbye to my beautiful sister … we will miss her every day.”
But the Geelong homecoming provided some relief at a “difficult and painful time”, Ablett said.
“I’m excited to return to where it all began and get around the club and my new teammates in due time.”
Ablett was especially looking forward to playing again for Cats fans, noting their reaction when he returned for his first match with the Suns at Simonds Stadium.
He was prepared for “serious booing” but was surprised when they cheered him instead.
Ablett concluded his statement with a request for privacy as the family prepared for its “final goodbye to Tash”.
Thirty-five-year-old Natasha died in non-suspicious circumstances on Friday 13 October.
The Suns agreed to release Ablett from his contract a year early for Geelong’s pick 19 in the 2017 draft and the club’s second-round choice in 2018.
The dual Brownlow medallist and two-time Geelong premiership player cited family reasons for his wish to return.
On Thursday the Cats said they were ecstatic with the trade.
“We are very pleased to have Gary return to the club and the Geelong community,” club football general manager Simon Lloyd said.
“Gary is still playing exceptional football, and we believe he improves our team.
“He obviously has a long association with the club and to have Gary back, playing so well is an exciting day for everyone involved with the club.
“We know in talking to Gary that he is thrilled about coming back to Geelong.”
But some football figures were less enthusiastic about Ablett’s return.
“Can’t wait to play against Geelong’s midfield … #saidnooneever,” St Kilda’s David Armitage posted on Twitter.
