MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Gary Ablett of the Suns celebrates a goal during the 2017 AFL round 04 match between the Carlton Blues and the Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Gold Coast star Gary Ablett has been the talk of the town for the past three weeks, following revelations he wants to return home for personal reasons.
It appears that if he is not at the Suns next season, he will be at Geelong.
However, his family's long association with Geelong and his successful career with the Cats from 2002 to 2010, has not stopped rival clubs from throwing their hat in the ring for the 32-year-old.
SEN radio has reported that reigning premier, the Western Bulldogs, are also set to join the race for Ablett.
“The Western Bulldogs are making a play for Gary Ablett,” SEN radio presenter and AFL journalist, Tony Sheahan said.
“The Cats, I understand, have offered a quarter of what he’s on at the Gold Coast as a base salary for 2017, to have him come back – which is $400,000 or within the vicinity of.
“But the Western Bulldogs will be making, if they have not already, a huge play for Gary Ablett.”
It seems a long shot that Ablett would play for any club other than Geelong if he does return to Victoria. But there is no harm in other clubs asking the question.
Gaz has shone the past fortnight since he received heavy criticism for his performance against Greater Western Sydney in round two.
He kicked two goals and had 36 disposals in round three against Hawthorn and 34 disposals and one goal in round four against Carlton.
Ablett will play his 100th game for the Suns this weekend.
He played 192 games for Geelong, including the 2007 and 2009 premierships, before joining the Gold Coast.