After much speculation, Gary Ablett has finally revealed what number he will be wearing when he once again steps out in the blue and white hoops in 2018.
Ablett wore number 29 while he played 192 games, won one Brownlow Medal and two premierships with Geelong from 2002 to 2010.
He then wore No.9 at the Gold Coast Suns from 2011 to 2017. But with both those numbers, plus his father's famous No.5 all taken upon his return to the Cattery during this year's trade period, Cats fans were wondering just what number one of the most famous names in football would wear next year.
On Friday morning, Ablett revealed via his website, exclusiveinsight.com.au that he will be wearing No.4 at the Cats next season.
"I’m excited to finally be able to answer that question and reveal to you all that come 2018, you will see me wearing #4 for the Geelong Football Club," Ablett wrote.
"While many were quick to rightly presume that I’d be pursuing #11 (the number my Father and I both wore during our junior days at the Cats) there are in fact a number of reasons why I chose to don #4 ahead of my 17th season in the AFL.
"However, the main reason being of course, my friendship with Andrew Mackie.
"‘Mack’ is a really good mate of mine and someone that I have a great deal of respect for.
"I absolutely loved and admired the way he went about his footy throughout his incredible career and I thought it’d be nice to be able to carry that number on for him.
"Of course, I thought it was important for me to approach him first, but before I could even finish asking the question, he stopped me mid-sentence and said that he would love for me to be able to carry it on.
"He spoke to me about how he’d be super stoked to see me run around in the same number that he won three premierships in and what was a significant part of his 15 years at Geelong."
Mackie played 280 games for the Cats in the No.4 guernsey, winning three premierships and one All-Australian award.
Meanwhile Geelong has also revealed draftees Gryan Miers will wear 32, Charlie Constable 18, Tim Kelly 11, Lachie Fogarty 13 and rookie and former Bulldog and Bomber, Stewart Crameri will wear 36.