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Gary Ablett Jnr – simply the best

Gary Ablett – A record breaking fourth Leigh Matthews Trophy

On the 30th Anniversary of the AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player Award, Gary Ablett stood alone as the only player to win the Leigh Matthews Trophy on four occasions.

Ablett won the trophy in three consecutive seasons from 2007 to 2009 while playing for the Geelong Football Club.

The Players’ Association MVP Awards remains the only peer-voted accolades in the industry, recognising versatility, the ability to play under pressure, skill, leadership, courage, respect for all players and – most importantly – overall value to a team.

The 2008 Brownlow medallist enjoyed an outstanding season despite Gold Coast winning only winning three games. Ablett averaged 33 disposals a game and amassed 389 kicks (first in the AFL), 61 marks, 287 handballs and kicked 26 goals

Ablett personally accepted the award at the MVP evening held at the Peninsula on Docklands and described it as “an honour” but didn’t believe it was any better in light of the he was the first player in ten years to win the trophy playing for a team not in the finals.

Leigh Matthews disagreed; indicating this year may have been Ablett’s most accomplished.

“He was an amazing champion in a champion team where it was easier to play well. Now he’s a champion player in a struggling team and he’s also become a great leader,” Matthews said.

Ablett polled 788 votes to finish ahead of Jobe Watson (602 votes) Trent Cotchin (495 votes), Dayne Beams (377) and Josh Kennedy and Patrick Dangerfield who tied for fifth (256).

Dave Swallow on the little master

Gary Ablett is a freak. There is no doubt about it. I recall a game at Metricon Stadium against Adelaide in Round 1 this year where he gathered the ball from a stoppage outside 50 on the boundary line, balanced and then kicked it across his body for a goal I thought was impossible. Then he did it again at the other end of the ground. The first time I thought ‘Yeah that’s Gary for you’, the second time I realised this guy is on another level.

“He is probably the best contested player I have ever seen” – Dave swallow.

He is fast, skilful, can run all day and he is incredibly strong. He is probably the best contested player I have ever seen. You know if you kick the ball to him one-on-one or even one-on-two sometimes, he is probably going to come out and win it.

While some would argue he is born to play the game, having watched him at close quarters I know his audacious skill and ability to do the extraordinary is the result of pure hard work.

It might look like he is cruising around the training track, wearing runners and a hat, but he is the ultimate professional and leaves no stone unturned in his preparation for games. Our young group has a clear understanding of what it takes to make it at this level by watching him at work.

This is his fourth Leigh Matthews Trophy, a record, and it sits alongside his two premiership medallions and a Brownlow Medal but it is arguable his greatest achievement to date.

There was a lot of talk about whether Gaz could have the same impact upon moving up to the Gold Coast. In a young side without an experienced midfield around him he wouldn’t be the same player they said. The reality is he has improved, not only through his ability to impact the game but also his teammates.

His leadership is improving every day and his ability to direct and organise him teammates on the ground has complimented the example he sets off it. As an experienced player amongst a team of young men, he provides a calming influence. He loves a joke before a game and it helps everyone relax.

Two of his closest mates at the club are Harley Bennell and Zac Smith and his influence over them has been profound and their rapid rise over the past two seasons has been testament to his guidance….or his willingness to share the ball with them!

Gary is one of those guys who despite knowing so much about him there is still an element of mystery. A lot of the mystery lies in whether he can get even better. I say he can. He has that ability to rise above every challenge he is faced with minimum fuss. His name might be etched on the Leigh Matthews Trophy a fifth time before his playing days are over.