Geelong champion Gary Ablett has bravely opened up about his son's battle with a "rare and degenarative" disease.
Ablett took to Instagram to speak about his son Levi's battle ahead of leaving his family for Geelong's hub.
"Some of you might already know that Jordan is caring for her mum as she battles with cancer," Ablett said.
"But what many of you don’t know is that our son has been recently diagnosed with a rare and degenerative disease. After a great amount of thought and consideration, we decided that it’s time to share this with you."
"We thank you for your love and support and want to emphasise just how grateful we are to be Levi’s parents. He is a true blessing to us and our family and we love him so deeply. Anyone who knows him knows how full of joy he is and how he always has a smile on his face," Ablett said.
"The biggest thank you needs to go to my wife, Jordan. Without you I wouldn’t have made it to 350 games. All of those nights looking after our boy, allowing me to get a good night's sleep before main training and games.
"The many things that you do for Levi and I all the while hurting and caring for your mum and also trying to get your head around Levi’s diagnosis."
Ablett played game 350 against former side Gold Coast on the weekend before the Cats jet off to hub life along with every other Victorian side.