So now that the 2010 season for the Geelong Cats is over after losing to Collingwood, the already volatile spectulation on star midfielder Gary Ablett moving to new team Gold Coast has increased. A statement is expected to be made sometime this week (or possibly the following week) about whether he is staying or going, so this post is about the pros and cons about Gary staying at Geelong.

Pros

• The Ablett name is about as synonymous with Geelong as Ford, Skilled Stadium (Kardinia Park) and the Advertiser. Surely a great man such as himself would like to retain that fact, and keep his father's legacy truly for the Geelong Football Club.
• He has so many friends in Geelong. He can walk down the main roads in Geelong and be instantly recognised; possibly even have a photo and/or autograph requested. This reputation would be in tatters in the case that he were to move up there.
• This saves Gary having flights every second week to play a Melbourne-based team. By staying in Geelong, there are up to 6 interstate games in a season, as opposed to 11+ if he went to the Gold Coast.
• Regardless of who transfers to a rival club, when the player is both

(a) A key name player, just as in the way Gary Ablett is, and

(b) Part of a [potential] deal that has been talked about for the generosity of the season's length

they will be regarded as a "traitor". Look at all the big names that left their clubs and were booed upon arrival at their new club. This also doesn't just apply to the clubs in question, but here's that list.

• • • Chris Judd (West Coast - Carlton)
    • Ben Cousins (West Coast - Richmond)
    • Brendan Fevola (Carlton - Brisbane)
    • Wayne Carey (North Melbourne - Adelaide)
    • Jason Akermanis (Brisbane - Western Bulldogs)

The list could also extend to those moving to the Gold Coast as well. We'll just have to wait and see on this one.

• • • Nathan Bock (Adelaide - Gold Coast)
    • Campbell Brown (Hawthorn - Gold Coast)
    • Michael Rischitelli (Brisbane - Gold Coast)
    • Gary Ablett (Geelong - Gold Coast???)

Cons

• The Gold Coast Suns are loaded with cash, and are prepared to play Gazza a hefty contract that is believed to be worth over $1million every year. With money like that on the cards, it would take one very modest man to refuse that. Problem is, Gold Coast have plenty more in reserve to offer as bait.
• Brother Nathan Ablett has already signed up with the Suns, and could possibly be one of the deciding factors if he decides to move up north.
• There is nothing that he still needs to do at Geelong that he can't do at the Gold Coast. He is a two-time premiership player, Brownlow medallist, three-time AFLPA Most Valuable Player, and more. Sure, he could continue this stellar career at the Cattery, but there's an extra $500,000 in offer.

Whatever Gary decides to do is up to him, but I hope that he makes the right decision.