APCO welcomes Ablett Jr back to Geelong

One of Geelong’s favourite sons has returned to the Cats, and the public will get the chance to meet him at the official opening of APCO Grovedale on Sunday.

Two-time Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett Jr will appear at the service station’s opening between noon and 1.30pm.

Son of Cats legend Gary Ablett, Ablett Jr made his debut for the Geelong Football Club in 2002, playing 192 games, winning his first Brownlow in 2009, the Carji Greeves Medal in 2007 and 2009 (both premiership years) and establishing a reputation as one of the AFL’s best players.

He was traded to the newly-formed Gold Suns and named its first captain in 2011.

Ablett Jr continued his good form there, winning his second Brownlow and the Suns’ best and fairest four times over 110 games.

After much speculation throughout this year, Ablett Jr requested a trade back to the Cats, which the Suns agreed to in October.

In a statement released following the trade, Ablett Jr said he was “excited to return to where it all began”.

“I can still remember being super nervous as I made my way down to Simonds Stadium for the first time since becoming a Suns player. I had prepared myself for some serious booing and a really hard time.

“However, when I stepped out onto the field, the Geelong crowd cheered me on and showed me nothing but support. I’m really looking forward to getting back and playing for them again!”