Gary Ablett returns to AFL grand final field after arm injury scare as Geelong’s fairytale hopes wither against Richmond

Perhaps it was no surprise after nearly 20 years’ worth of Gary Ablett providing memorable moments in the AFL, there was always going to be more than one more to add to the collection.

The Cats’ led at half-time in the AFL grand final, and the fairytale was well and truly on.

In the end, Richmond came out and showed why the Tigers have been the best team in football for the last few years, in the process stopping Geelong’s number four from having a perfect finish to his career. But while he may not have come away with a third premiership, Ablett ensured that no one would forget his final game of football.

Ablett had to fight through the pain at the Gabba after a game-changing moment in the opening five minutes of play.

The retiring champion…