Former Geelong coach Mark Thompson believes Gary Ablett would regret his decision to leave the Cats.
Speaking on Fox Footy's AFL360 on Wednesday night, Thompson said Ablett's trade request at the end of last season is a clear indication the little master regrets missing the past six years at Kardinia Park, despite most likely enjoying his time at the Suns in his first few seasons.
โAfter the first couple of years I donโt think he would have regretted it,โ Thompson said.
โI think he would have loved to have played in 2011 and win three premierships.
โI think he might regret it. Deep down I think he would.โ
Ablett received heavy criticism for his lackluster performance on the weekend against the Giants, but Thompson believes the two-time Brownlow Medalist can still play for another three of four years and would still command a huge salary if he returns to Geelong.
Thompson also also dismissed former Cat Cameron Mooney's thoughts that recruiting Ablett would be a bad move for the Cats.
โHe wouldnโt let you down on the field. He wouldnโt let you down marketing wise,โ Thompson said.
โHeโs probably worth $1 million. He is. Easily.
โIt would be a good story if he goes back. He should go back. It would be great to see. He shouldnโt have gone in the first place.
โHeโs a special player. I got to see him play up close and know him personally.
โI would still like to see him play three or four years in the forward line.โ
Ablett was recruited as a father-son selection by Geelong in 2001 and played 192 games for the club, winning two premierships, a Brownlow Medal, two best and fairest awards, four All-Australians and three AFLPA MVP awards.
He played every one of the Suns' games in his first three seasons at the club, before managing just 33 of a possible 66 due to shoulder and knee injuries from 2014 to 2016.
