By Justin Flynn
Former Geelong champion Gary Ablett has officially requested a trade back to Kardinia Park.
Ablett, who joined the Gold Coast Suns on a lucrative deal at the end of 2010, still has a year to run on his contract up north.
“Gary Ablett today informed the club of his desire to be traded to Geelong during next month’s exchange period,” Suns chief executive Mark Evans said during the week.
“We indicated to Gary and his manager Liam Pickering that there are conditions that will need to be met for the Gold Coast if this is to be achieved.”
Geelong also released a statement: “The club is respectful of the fact Ablett is a contracted player with the Gold Coast and as such, the Suns have the final say on a trade agreement.”
It’s believed the Suns are keen on gun Cats onballer Mitch Duncan or exciting young playmaker Nakia Cockatoo as a replacement. The Suns are also keen to recoup about $200,000 to $300,000 from Ablett’s contract for next season.
Lang has also been mentioned as a possible target given he is out of contract, but several Victorian clubs have begun circling the promising midfielder, who accumulated 26 possessions in Geelong’s semi-final victory against Sydney.
Ablett has hinted at retirement if a deal can’t be done.
Geelong does not have a first round pick this year to bargain with, but do have Carlton’s second-round pick which at this stage is at pick number 20.
Ablett, a dual Geelong premiership player, is 33 and has battled constant hamstring injuries during the past couple of years at the Suns.
He played only 14 games this year, but still won the Suns’ best and fairest.
However, Ablett has shown that he is still one of the premier players in the competition and would be ideal for the Cats up forward, where he has shown he is a proven goalkicker.
Ablett is an eight time All Australian and won the goalkicking award once at Geelong and twice at the Gold Coast.
