THE Ablett family is in mourning after the death of Natasha Ablett.

Ms Ablett — daughter of Geelong footballing great Gary Ablett Sr and sister to Gary Ablett Jr — had been receiving treatment through Barwon Health’s acute psychiatric unit, the Swanston Centre.

It is understood Ms Ablett died from a suspected drug overdose away from the centre on Friday.

Alisha Ablett paid tribute to her sister on Instagram.

Worlds best gift growing up with these scallywags! Natasha - you were the strongest women Iv ever known with an absolute heart of gold! 1982-2017 A post shared by Alisha Ablett (@alisha.ablett) on Oct 12, 2017 at 2:32pm PDT

“Natasha — you were the strongest women I’ve ever known with an absolute heart of gold! 1982-2017,” she wrote.

Before the shock discovery, it appeared Ms Ablett had recently been making good progress in her decade-long battle with mental illness and drug addiction.

The eldest of the Ablett children, in her mid 30s, Natasha has endured a fight with depression beginning in her teenage years.

Earlier this week Gary Ablett cited family reasons for wanting to come home and play for Geelong in 2018.

“A lot of people are likely to be making assumptions about why I made this decision; however, only a few people know the reasons why,” Ablett wrote.

media_camera Natasha Ablett.

My sisters, my brother, and parents all play a huge role in my life, and it’s time that I make myself more available to them and others back home.”

GARY’S LETTER: WHY I NEED TO COME HOME

Former Geelong Football Club president Frank Costa said the situation would only compound the Brownlow medallist’s desire to return.

“This will make Gary Jr all the more determined to come home. His sister wasn’t well and that was one of the reasons he wanted to come back,” he said. “It’s absolutely horrible but I think the family will pull together. This poor girl carried a terrible burden for most of her life. She had been pretty crook for a while.’’

Former Geelong player and team mate of Gary Sr, Tim McGrath, said the news came as a shock to him.

“I send my condolences to the family. It is sad a young person has been taken too early,” McGrath said.

Footy Show host and Cats number one ticket holder Rebecca Maddern said: “I extend my deepest sympathies to the Ablett family with the passing of Natasha”.

A spokesman for Barwon Health, which operates the Swanston Centre, confirmed Natasha Ablett’s passing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this tragic time, and we are meeting with them to provide whatever supports they require,” he said.

The spokesman said the centre had started an independent review into Natasha’s death.

“We have commissioned an external review to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” he said.

Former Geelong player and team mate of Ablett Sr, Tim McGrath, said the news came as a shock to him.

“I send my condolences to the family. It is sad a young person has been taken too early,” Mr McGrath said.

Other tributes on social media included the following.

I extend my deepest sympathies to the Ablett family with the passing of Natasha. — Rebecca Maddern (@RebeccaMaddern9) October 13, 2017

I extend my deepest sympathies to the Ablett family with the passing of Natasha. — Rebecca Maddern (@RebeccaMaddern9) October 13, 2017

My thoughts are with the Ablett Family at this devastating time I hope you're in a better place Natasha



Here for you Gaz



Devastated — Ricky Nixon (@rickynixontoot) October 13, 2017

If you or someone you know is experiencing personal problems contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.