'Putting on a show': Gary Ablett's perfect response to MCG boos
Gary Ablett was the designated villain for Hawthorn supporters but for other AFL lovers, the Geelong maestro's Easter Monday magic was a source of pure joy.
Ablett wound back the clock at the MCG as the Cats outlasted the Hawks in a thrilling 17.11 (113) to 13.12 (90) finish to go top of the ladder.
In a high-quality match full of big moments, Ablett delivered the highlight with a second-quarter screamer on the back of David Mirra.
Soaring above his opponent in a way that instantly brought to mind his famous father's heroics, the little master kicked truly to extend the Cats' lead.
GAZZA!!!!
Winding back the clock!#AFLHawksCats pic.twitter.com/DNKUfh1uuW— AFL (@AFL) April 22, 2019
Ablett had his second goal minutes later, expertly receiving a handpass from Luke Dahlhaus and finishing on the outside of his boot from the forward pocket.
The 34-year-old made it look effortless, although his workrate wasn't lost on former Essendon champion James Hird.
STOP IT GAZ!#AFLHawksCats pic.twitter.com/fMPrYMo24J
— AFL (@AFL) April 22, 2019
"He bolted 40 metres, 50 metres down, he got the handball - he's up and about, Gary," Hird said while commentating on Triple M.
"We shouldn't be surprised, should we?"
Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton called it “the Gary Ablett goal”.
“That’s the way we are used to seeing him crumb and do something extraordinary with the footy as he kicks it,” he told Fox Sports.
The match-turning goals came after Ablett was booed by Hawks supporters.
A pantomime villain in one of the AFL's enduring rivalries, he was roundly booed by the Hawks-dominated crowd from the moment he lined up against Hawthorn opponent Jack Gunston.
Some speculated it was because of his role in the Israel Folau saga, having 'liked' the rugby superstar's controversial post.
Others were convinced it was nothing more than a team's fans booing a great rival.
"He's enjoying the boos, he's putting on a show."
- Dwayne Russell on Ablett#AFLHawksCats— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 22, 2019
Lesson 1: don't boo Ablett #aflhawkscats
— peter ryan (@petryan) April 22, 2019
Why are the Hawks fans booing Ablett?? I know why.. 🐐 #AFLHawksCats
— Ryan (@RyanWKee) April 22, 2019
Gary Ablett... Easter Monday... say no more #AFLHawksCats
— Stu (@shelwig) April 22, 2019
Ablett winding back the clock!! #AFLHawksCats
— Ewen McRae (@ewenmcrae) April 22, 2019
People who boo Gary Ablett don’t deserve to be able to watch our great game. #AFLHawksCats
— Liam Lambert (@LiamLam25455185) April 22, 2019
🐐 response by Ablett #AFLHawksCats #goat https://t.co/STIdiFHBn1
— Callan Thomas (@calscran) April 22, 2019
Garry Ablett Jnr you beauty
Stick it up those people booing with a hang and a goal
And another goal@GaryAblettJnr#AFLHawksCats— Daniel Shadbolt (@mukafella) April 22, 2019
By the time Ablett received a handball from Joel Selwood on the verge of three-quarter time and unleashed from 50m out for his third major, it was clear the two-time Brownlow Medallist had won the day.
Speaking to the Seven Network after the game, Ablett shrugged off the Hawthorn supporters' boos.
"It happens most weeks," he said.
"You get used to it. Good to get the win.
"It is nice to kick a few goals. Obviously a different role for me this year up forward and I'm really enjoying it."
with AAP