Geoff Ablett, a celebrated Australian Football League (AFL) figure and older brother of icon Gary Ablett Sr., has passed away at age 71 following a courageous fight against motor neurone disease (MND).
Career Highlights
Ablett played 202 games primarily for Hawthorn, securing VFL premierships in 1976 and 1978. Known for his exceptional speed as a winger, he debuted in 1973 with the Hawks, later moving to Richmond in 1983 and St Kilda in 1985 before retiring at season’s end.
Reflecting on his time on the field, Ablett once said: “Put it this way, no one ever ran away from me bouncing the ball. When they saw me coming, they would say: ‘F*** it, I’d better kick it.'”
Recent Diagnosis and Battle
Ablett received his MND diagnosis just before Christmas Eve 2025 and shared the news publicly in February 2026. He admitted to shedding tears upon learning of the incurable condition.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of his death, fans expressed their grief online. One Hawthorn supporter described him as “one of the most caring blokes who pulled on our jumper and performed for the club week in, week out.” Another called for celebration of “the life of a true gentleman, a champion bloke.”
Earlier this year, Essendon great Neale Daniher, who has lived with MND since 2013, reached out with an encouraging message: “Hi Geoff, Neale Daniher here. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Being footballers who played in the same era, we have both ridden some big bumps on the footy field, but there is no doubt this beast is going to be our toughest battle. Wishing you well. I hope you’re getting plenty of love and support. All the very best, mate.”
Ablett replied that Daniher’s words inspired him to “keep pushing on.”
