AFL legend to play one-off game in Tasmania

ONE of the AFL’s greatest ever players is set to feature in a one-off clash in Tasmania, taking the field in the Tasmanian State League in the coming weeks.

Geelong and Gold Coast great Gary Ablett Jnr is reportedly in negotiations with Tasmanian club Glenorchy, to throw on the black and white stripes for what would be just his second ever game in the state of Tasmania.

According to SEN Tassie’s Brent Costelloe, the two-time Brownlow Medallist and eight-time All-Australian, now 41 years of age, will suit up in a one-off match.

“My mail is someone big will be joining the Glenorchy Magpies this season for a one-off game,” Costelloe said on SEN Tassie Breakfast.

“I’m talking one of the GOATs.

“My mail is Gay Ablett Jnr is coming down to play a one-off match with Glenorchy. Now that would be something.”

With the club continuing negotiations with the little master, Costelloe believes that the deal is all but locked in.

“It’s outstanding if we can get one of the greatest players of all time to come down and play a game in the SFL Premier League later this year,” he continued.

“Apparently the negotiations are going quite well. It’s not officially locked in, but I’m hearing it’s pretty close.

“It’ll be awesome. He’s only played once in Tasmania, and that was for Gold Coast at the UTAS Stadium all those years ago.”

In 2023, Gary Ablett Jnr featured in two one-off contests, suiting up for the Creswick football club in the Central Highlands Football League and for the Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs in the AFL Cairns League.

The initiative comes as the Tasmania Devils face a challenge ahead of their inauguration in 2028, with the club’s entry to the AFL riding on the state government’s decision to undergo the construction of a stadium complex.

BY SEN/ANDREW SLEVISON