As if signing Brad Ottens from Richmond a couple of weeks ago wasn't good enough, Geelong has pulled off a coup of major proportions on Monday. Nathan Ablett to join Cats -- afl.com.au Ablett's second son to join Geelong -- The Age That's right, folks-- yet another Ablett joining the forces at Kardinia Park. The second son of the great Gary Ablett Sr., it was thought that Nathan Ablett's signature would be out of reach, due to his shy reluctance to play at AFL level. But as a result, Geelong is now loaded in the forward ranks. To wit, imagine this... F: Gardiner, Ottens, Chapman HF: S. Johnson, N. Ablett, Kingsley And if Ben Graham decides to forego an NFL career to come back to Geelong to occupy the CHF slot, that makes just that much more depth. Skipper's plea to Graham -- The Herald Sun Cats wait on Ben's NFL bid -- The Herald Sun It's time, Benny -- The Geelong Advertiser Cats seek to fend off NFL offer -- The Age But if Graham stays, the benefits are two-fold: allows Nathan Ablett just that much more time to grow and develop as a professional, and might make the reality of winning a premiership within a couple of years that much greater of a possibility. Yet for now, let me say this... man, are we loaded.
The latest from the Tuesday morning papers here... The Nathan Ablett signing Wade welcomes Ablett to No. 23 club -- Geelong Advertiser Another Ablett at Cats -- The Age Cats sign reluctant Ablett -- The Herald Sun The Ben Graham flirtations with the NFL Bomber hopeful on Ben -- Geelong Advertiser In addition to the info in the latter Geelong Addy piece, there are clips in the other links in the Melbourne papers about the latest on Ben Graham's future. Rumour has it that it's the New York Jets that will offer him a contract first to become their punter, and he reportedly has until Friday to decide on that contract or to remain with the Cats. [rant] But man, if Ben Graham's not going to remain at Geelong, why couldn't he sign for the Oakland Raiders? He'd probably tackle better than half of our guys there already, and dammit, we need a quarterback! To paraphrase what was in kenntomasch's signature a couple of weeks ago, if Kerry Collins is the answer, I don't think I understood the question! [/rant]
Benny and the Jets sounds a lot better then Ben Graham at the Oakland Raiders! Either way, I think most Geelong supporters know that Ben Graham is destined to go and play in the NFL, if not this year then within the next couple of years. And with regards to Nathan Ablett, there's an air of excitment around Geelong with his signing under the father-son rule. His father, (Gary Ablett Snr) is one of Geelong's greatest ever players, and to have both Gary Jnr and Nathan playing in the same team together will be awesome for our club.
You know, mate, you run the risk of getting a lot of negative rep, just for that horrible pun. Hate to admit it, but you might be right about that. However, the one thing I keep thinking about is that whoever is trying to sign Graham-- whether it be the Jets, Giants, Patriots, Vikings, or even the Raiders-- is that they are looking at him as just a punter. Just as someone who can kick a football a long distance. Sure, Ben Graham's torpedo kicks in the bule-and-white hoops of Geelong are acts of legend, but I don't think any NFL team that is making the effort to recruit him is giving him enough credit for being a complete athlete. Can you picture Benny as a wide receiver or defensive back in the NFL, in addition to being a punter? He can run, he can catch, and he can definitely tackle. Meanwhile, I can't help but think that the timing of the Nathan Ablett signing couldn't be more appropriate, in terms of trying to convince Ben Graham to stay at Geelong. Picture this... Geelong's management trio of president Frank Costa, CEO Brian Cook and coach Mark Thompson would happen to give Graham the following speech... "OK, Ben, we know a million-dollar payday awaits you in the NFL. And if you want to go there, we can understand why. In Nathan Ablett, we already have a ready-made replacement for you in your position at centre half-forward. However, if you stay with us at Geelong, we'll need you here to help nurture Nathan into something great, and we're on the cusp of some really great things, such as a premiership within a couple of years. We want you to be a part of all of that... for all the service you've given to this club, we'd love to reward you with that." Especially that "nurturing Nathan" part of the equation... that could be a key talking point in Geelong's part of the negotiations.
Injuries force Loats into retirement Geelong ruckman David Loats has been forced to retire from the football due to on going knee injuries. Loats has endured numerous knee operations throughout his career and a post-season medical examination revealed that the damage in his knees will not allow him to continue his career. http://gfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=176083
No more of a risk then holding a candle in the wind... And with regards to David Loats' retirement, it's a shame to see someone's career cut short because of injuries, but with Ottens and King to do most of the ruck work and the likes of Blake and Chambers coming through, Geelong have fairly strong depth in this area. Mooney and Playfair can also pinch hit in this area.
Enough of the puns! Especially since Graham has officially made his intentions to sign with the New York Jets and make his debut with the NFL club in 2005. So it's a done deal, it would seem... However, back to the Nathan Ablett story, there was a nice article in Wednesday's Herald Sun about the sort of bonding that may have played a role in getting the youngest Ablett to agree to play AFL footy with Geelong. Third coming of Abletts -- The Herald Sun
Nathan is 18 years old, and although he didn't go through the Under 18's system like most young players do these days, he played his junior footy at Modewarre. Nathan Ablett - Player Frofile http://gfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=players&spg=playerprofile&personid=352134&na=0023
I think it may be something your lot will have to get accustomed to...what with the success Darren Bennett enjoyed at San Diego for 9 seasons (he's struggling a bit this season with Minnesota) and the success rookie Mat McBriar is having with Dallas this season there could be many NFL recruiters lurking around the footy ovals looking for a big kick. Earlier this season they did some close-ups on McBriar to show how he uses the footy disciplines depending on the situation...he'll wind up the big torp if he can kick for distance, but if he wants to place a kick and pin the opposition he'll point the ball down and lob in a big end-over-end kick...and he's done it well so far. From 56 kicks he's averaging 40.8 yards per kick with a net of 33.6 (average less return yardage), and has had 16 kicks downed inside the 20 yard line and only one touchback. I think the NFL is realizing that footy kickers can be a dangerous weapon on special teams. But you're right, William...what if an NFL team recruited a high-flyer for the occasional "hail mary"?
Is it true that Brad Ottens has been allocated Gary Abletts Senior Jumper Number 5. What would be the thinking behind that. Just curious.
Brad Ottens profile -- gfc.com.au According to the profile, Ottens hasn't been officially assigned a number yet. However, I think I do recall reading somewhere that he had been modelling the famous #5 guernsey worn by the great man, Gary Ablett Sr. Of course, that might have just been a form of public posturing at the press conference announcing his signing for the Cats.
Brad Ottens had number 5 at Richmond, and since neither Gary Jnr. or Nathan want the added pressure of wearing their father's famous number 5 jumper, we may as well give the number to someone else.
Just to clarify for our new Aussie Rules supporters -Jumper Numbers do not signify where the player plays on the actual ground. Most Clubs do retire certain numbers worn by outstanding/champion players for a while. To reallocate that number is taken very seriously-That is why the question was asked.