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Dwayne Russell: Geelong would be ‘crazy’ to drop Gary Ablett for semi-final clash with Collingwood

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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Gary Ablett had his worst showing for Geelong since 2006.
Camera IconGary Ablett had his worst showing for Geelong since 2006. Credit: Ryan Pierse/AFL Photos

Commentator Dwayne Russell has leapt to the defence of retiring superstar Gary Ablett, saying it would be “crazy” to drop the two-time Brownlow Medallist for the semi-final against Collingwood.

Ablett had just 10 disposals in the qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide and failed to hit the scoreboard — his worst performance since rejoining the Cats and his lowest output since Rd 17, 2015 when he was injured in the first quarter of Gold Coast’s loss to Adelaide.

The qualifying final was just Ablett’s second game back since leaving his teammates in Perth in July to return to his family in tragic circumstances.

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And Russell says the Cats have to show Ablett the fitting farewell he deserves.

“I think Gary Ablett deserves to play this week,” he said.

Gary Ablett has played 244 games for Geelong since his debut in 2002.
Camera IconGary Ablett has played 244 games for Geelong since his debut in 2002. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“It would be crazy in my mind for Chris Scott to drop Gary Ablett Junior this week.

“He’s been an iconic player for the footy club, yes he’s a bit slower, yes you can start him on the bench and I would start him on the bench. I don’t think you can drop him.

“I don’t think you can treat your guys like that.”

Since the 2011 premiership, the Cats have managed just four wins from 16 finals.

In 2019, Geelong superstar Gary Ablett announced 2020 would be his last in the AFL.
Camera IconIn 2019, Geelong superstar Gary Ablett announced 2020 would be his last in the AFL. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

With pressure heaped on the ageing side and coach Chris Scott, defender Tom Stewart says the team had a tough heart-to-heart after the loss to the Power.

“We had quite a frank meeting last night about what we need to do to play our best footy this week,” Stewart said.

“The mood is up among the group. We understand that we’re extremely disappointed with the result on Thursday night – a couple of things we need to tinker with.

“But we know that at our best we’re going to give ourselves the best possible chance of winning this weekend, so we were quite up and about.

“It’s a combined effort with the coaches and players. A lot of open discussion. It was a disappointing result, but there was positives out of that game.”

Geelong will face Collingwood at the Gabba on Saturday night with the winner to play Brisbane in a preliminary final.

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