Nathan Ablett got people talking about his AFL prospects after a stellar performance for Werribee on Saturday. 82246_01 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
By MICHAEL ESPOSITO
NATHAN Ablett’s performance on Saturday suggested the AFL dream may not be over.
The former Geelong and Gold Coast player produced a best-on-ground performance for Werribee on Sunday.
And it wasn’t his four goals or aerial prowess that stood out, but his special awareness and ability to bring others into the game that really stood out.
Ablett caught the eye with two superb handballs that resulted in goals, a supremely athletic sliding mark, and a classy goal from a snap to show that if he were to get one last crack at AFL footy, the talent was certainly still there.
Werribee coach Scott West said Ablett’s performance on Saturday was not special for his individual brilliance, but for the way he worked with his teammates.
“He’s a deadly kick, but more than that he provided decoy leads and got out of space and contested in the air and his hands we terrific to provide opportunities to other guys,” West said.
“He hasn’t played with (Cameron) Pederson and (Ben) McKinley and (Ben) Warren and these sort of guys, so they’re just starting to build a relationship as well.
“There’s no doubt he’s got time and space when he gets the ball. He tends to be able to create something out of nothing.
“Part of his role is to do most of the forward rucks when he’s down there, and it’s a great advantage to us to have someone with the experience he’s got.”
West said he slowly brought Ablett into the senior side because he did not have much of a pre-season.
Ablett played four games in the development league before playing his first senior game in the Foxtel Cup quarter final.
Saturday was his third VFL senior game this season.
