Ablett didn't have to leave Geelong. He was eased into a club which was a second home to him as a kid. In his early seasons, he played as a spasmodic half-forward. He was coasting. Playing and training on his terms until some senior players gave him a rocket and demanded that he push harder, prepare better and spend all that he had on game day.

He rose to the challenge magnificently, and became what many regarded as the best player in the competition. Two premierships, a Brownlow Medal, four All-Australians and two club best and fairests are testament to that. But all through this glorious period, ''Little Gary'' was protected. He shared the limelight with a dozen teammates who had also earned All-Australian status.

On the field, his antagonists had to deal with the likes of Cam Mooney, Cam Ling, Paul Chapman, and Matthew Scarlett. It's nice to have those tough Cats in your corner. He was given the OK to do his own thing when out injured. He wasn't required to watch his teammates play, so he didn't. It was a good life being the son of a gun. And then, 12 months ago, Gold Coast presented him with a massive offer to move north. He was seduced by the amount of zeroes on offer. Geelong countered by offering a very healthy deal, with a strong emphasis on how good things could be for Gary when the playing days were over. There's no doubt it was given serious consideration, but then the coach and star fell out. Had Ablett known that Mark Thompson would not be coaching the Cats in 2011, there's every chance he would have stayed.

The powers that be at the Gold Coast won't admit it, but they already would have a few concerns about their main man. He hasn't done a full pre-season and did not play one practice match. Was it a groin, hip or hammy that hindered, because all have been mentioned. And yet, through it all, the skipper promised he'd be ready for the Suns' first game. On that, he has delivered.

That he missed a Suns NAB Challenge match a month ago and opted to go to Sydney to see a wrestling event beggars belief. Last weekend, he was in Melbourne for the grand prix. I would have thought less flying and more training on the Gold Coast would have served him better, especially after such a limited preparation. There are some reports that being the face of the football club and the time required to attend the obligatory functions doesn't excite him. Well Gary, if that is the case, you should have realised some major responsibilities come with being paid $1.8 million a season.