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What a sorry story to tell...That of the great Geelong Goalkicker..Just goes to show that even a regional sport like footy isn't immune to the trappings of bad influences...

I certainly hope his spokesman's statement about Ablett's "faith in God" is true and wasn't made to try to soothe the consciousness of those who are prosecuting him. If that was my daughter he had chosen to spend time with and later expose to those types of drugs I would be furious to say the least..Sure she was old enough to make her own decisions but in some ways...She was still worshipping an idol..He should've used better judgement..

What do you folks think?? s think??

> What a sorry story to tell...

Thanks for the heads up, I managed to miss this story. Below is a link to The Age that has more information.

Well, I always said I never cared for Ablett.

  -- RW KC Swan Lipp

The Age - Mar 6 2001

> What a sorry story to tell...That of the great Geelong Goalkicker..Just
> goes to show that even a regional sport like footy isn't immune to the
> trappings of bad influences...

I find it really sad, especially since Gary Ablett was one of the influences in making Geelong my favoriet team. But I've seen enough of professional sports to know you can't judge one's character by his play on the field.

> I certainly hope his spokesman's statement about Ablett's "faith in
> God" is true and wasn't made to try to soothe the consciousness of
> those who are prosecuting him.

I read an article a couple of months ago (can't find it now) about Ablett's involvement in the Teen Challenge program. Teen Challenge is a Christian organization purposed at helping troubled young people (not just teens) get back on track. The article said Gary was doing well in the program and had actually participated in one or two footy games with a local team. I hope it's true.

> I find it really sad, especially since Gary Ablett was one of the
> influences in making Geelong my favoriet team. But I've seen enough of
> professional sports to know you can't judge one's character by his play on
> the field.

> I read an article a couple of months ago (can't find it now) about
> Ablett's involvement in the Teen Challenge program. Teen Challenge is a
> Christian organization purposed at helping troubled young people (not just
> teens) get back on track. The article said Gary was doing well in the
> program and had actually participated in one or two footy games with a
> local team. I hope it's true.

I believe this is more a case of just one of life's great tragedies. I've read all the news articles about the inquest and from what I have read, it sounds like Ablett really was concerned for Alisha on the night in question, constantly asking if she was OK. Apparently, she obtained the drugs from an acquaitance of Ablett's who joined them and some friends while they were out. Whether Ablett himself indulged in the drugs or not, only he knows and he's not commenting on that aspect of the night in question. Both had been drinking and partying off and on for a week. Seems she was a great Cat fan whom Ablett remembered from his playing days when she was just one of many hanging around Kardinia Park.
And yes, it was shortly after her death that he joined Teen Challenge, more to overcome depression than substance abuse. And he did take part in match between the facility he was at and another TC facility.
Ablett has always been somewhat of a recluse - rarely giving interviews during his playing days and seems to be one of those former players who finds life after football difficult.
At least nowadays, clubs,the AFL, and the AFLPA have programs in place to assist players to prepare for life after football. Many clubs have now restructered training schedules so players have more time to devote to job training and education. And most if not all have used the resources available to persue interests outside of footy.

Lisa
AFANA
Chicago

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This is my view on the whole saga.

Gary Ablett was somebody I idolised. His humble, calm nature on and off the field yet his competitive spirit and extraordinary high standards set him apart from most footballers ever to play the game.

However, he didn't get along with Gary Ayres (appears not many do) and didn't play a senior game in 1997. Gary Ablett is not particularly educated as he left school prematurely. Football was his life...his passion, and that was torn away from him.

Unfortunately, he became rather recluse and it appears that he dabbled in drugs...maybe to fight depression or maybe just for a hit...I do not know.

We know that Alisha Horan was very fond of him. We know that ALisha also dabbled in drugs.

It angers me to the bone how everybody points the finger at Gary for her death. For every action there is a consequence. Alisha was not a mindless child. She was an adult. She was capable of thinking rationally and just saying "No". She didn't. She died. Just as it is evident in society today, personally responsibility is dissipating and everybody is looking for somebody else to point at should something go wrong.

I will admit that what Gary Ablett did was stupid. Bloody stupid. But he alone cannot be held purely responsible for her death, although he must be held partially because of his irresponsible actions.

Although sports stars should act more responsible, Gary was never into endorsing products or creating an off field image. He was a simple man just wanting to play football.

This does not exempt him from blame, but Alisha's death is largely her own fault.

Sorry if I appear rude or offensive, but once again I stand by my comments. Criticism or response is welcome!

> > Gary Ablett is the most truly gifted and dynamic footballer I have ever seen during my 40years of watching VFL / AFL Football.Gazza was a football miricle worker who won many, many games for Geelong off his own boot.
Gary fell foul of coach Ayres "You will do as I say" style and was injured in a reserves game at the MCG which he should never have played in.Ablett's roller coaster ride was over and he drifted into heavy drinking / drugs to fill the massive void left in his life.
The tragic death of Miss Horan at Ablett's hotel room should never had happened, her family still blaming the footy star for her death years after the event.Maybee the Horans see this stance as a way to hide her upbringing by them.She was not kidnapped or forced in any way to accompany Ablett on his drink / drug binge, she could have walked away at anytime and returned home.Ablett committed no crime as the law has vindicated.
I feel so sorry that Miss Horan lost her life in this way but her family ought to be ashamed at the part they played in all this.
Today we hope that the great number 5 has found peace with himself and the world, and will serve the community in other ways.
Thanks for the memories Gazza, in my heart they will last forever.
John.

The "faith in god" statement is nothing new. Ablett thanked god in his acceptance speach when receiving the Norm Smith Medal after the 89 Grand Final

> What a sorry story to tell...That of the great Geelong Goalkicker..Just goes to show
> that even a regional sport like footy isn't immune to the trappings of bad
> influences...

> I certainly hope his spokesman's statement about Ablett's "faith in God"
> is true and wasn't made to try to soothe the consciousness of those who are
> prosecuting him. If that was my daughter he had chosen to spend time with and later
> expose to those types of drugs I would be furious to say the least..Sure she was old
> enough to make her own decisions but in some ways...She was still worshipping an
> idol..He should've used better judgement..

> What do you folks think?? s think??

> The "faith in god" statement is nothing new. Ablett thanked god in his
> acceptance speach when receiving the Norm Smith Medal after the 89 Grand Final

You do know you replied to a 5 year old message?

I don't think the person who posted that message (who was an ordained minister, btw) is on this board any longer.

-Rob de Santos
AFANA Chairman

AFANA Newsletters - Subscribe Here

Rob,

Good to see your name again. I'm still alive. I just don't post much anymore given the horrible television situation. I and my now 12 year old son still have an interest in the sport but it's hard to keep up when you don't get any action to watch on the tube.

I'm still a minister! I now live in Denver and have taken in some Denver Bulldog action and have looked into the possibility of starting an indoor league for kids at our local rec. center. I've even went to the trouble of getting an indoor footy for my son to try out.

Just wanted to let you know I'm still alive!

Peace
Scott

> I'm still alive. I just don't post much anymore given
> the horrible television situation. I and my now 12 year old son still have an
> interest in the sport but it's hard to keep up when you don't get any action to
> watch on the tube.
> I'm still a minister!

Good to see you back on the BBS. I wasn't so worried you weren't alive as wondering if the person who responded to your Ablett message ever bothered to look at when you posted it!

As you will note that the BBS now requires registration for posting and the TV situation has changed yet again this year. Hope your ministry is going well.

Hope to see you on the BBS occasionally.

Best regards,

-Rob de Santos
AFANA Chairman

AFANA Newsletters - Subscribe Here

no, i must admit i was a bit lax about the date on that one. i just looked at the date of the last posting in the thread which was actually only a few days ago. won't be making that mistake again though!

> Good to see you back on the BBS. I wasn't so worried you weren't alive as
> wondering if the person who responded to your Ablett message ever bothered to look
> at when you posted it!

> As you will note that the BBS now requires registration for posting and the TV
> situation has changed yet again this year. Hope your ministry is going well.

> Hope to see you on the BBS occasionally.

> Best regards,

> -Rob de Santos
> AFANA Chairman