Geoff Ablett, Former Hawthorn premiership star Dies At 71
The Australian football community is united in grief following the passing of Hawthorn premiership legend Geoff Ablett at the age of 71, after a brave and public battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
Ablett, a member of one of the game’s most revered families, played over 200 games for the Hawks between 1973 and 1982, earning premiership medallions in 1976 and 1978. While his brother Gary Ablett Snr captured headlines, Geoff carved out his own illustrious career, famously renowned as the fastest man on the ground. His electrifying pace was showcased by an incredible four Grand Final sprint titles.
His diagnosis, shared publicly in February this year, cast a spotlight on the cruel nature of MND, a disease that progressively robs individuals of movement and speech while the mind remains acutely aware. In a heartbreaking interview, Ablett revealed he had been given a prognosis of just 6-12 months to live, admitting he “shed a few tears” upon hearing the news.
Beyond his on-field exploits, which also included stints at Richmond and St Kilda, Ablett’s legacy is one of profound respect and warmth. Tributes flooding in describe him as a “true gentleman” and “one of the most caring blokes” to wear the brown and gold. His contribution extended far from the MCG, serving as Mayor of Casey and touching countless lives as a dedicated and kind teacher.
Geoff Ablett’s story is woven into the very fabric of football’s history—a champion player from a champion family, a respected community leader, and a man who faced his final opponent with heartbreaking courage. He is survived by a legacy defined not just by speed and skill, but by humility, kindness, and an indelible mark on all who knew him.