Gary Ablett reveals drug battles in exclusive interview

AFL legend Gary Ablett Snr says he's back in control and on top of his drug problem.

In an exclusive interview with Seven News, the footy great told reporter Nathan Templeton he had a relapse into drug use, but that's all behind him now.

"I had a couple of relapses probably two or three years ago, which was disappointing but nothing like I did back in 1997 to 2000," Ablett said. "I'm well on top of that now."

The former Geelong forward was due in court today for a third attempt at an intervention order against a 39-year-old woman he had accused of stalking him.

But he withdrew the claim after deciding it was a hopeless exercise.

In July, Ablett Sr told the court the woman had stalked him for several months, sending him threatening text messages and organising people to hack his mobile phone so she could track him, and that he feared for his children's safety.

"I have mentioned to the court there were some indirect or camouflaged death threats - that's how I took them," Ablett told Seven News.

Ablett believes media reports questioning his state of mind hampered his bid for the court order.

"Certainly the illicit drugs is well behind me, and I'm sure glad they are" he added.

Ablett was set to produce messages in court today after magistrate Stephen Myall had refused to grant the order without more evidence.