Former Hawthorn player Geoff Ablett has died at the age of 71, just months after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, prompting tributes from across the AFL community.
Geoff, part of one of the AFL’s most well-known families, played more than 200 games for Hawthorn and was a member of the club’s 1976 and 1978 premiership sides.
Once regarded as one of the game’s fastest players, he won four grand final sprints and earned the nickname “the race horse” for his speed.
News of his diagnosis emerged earlier this year, after months of health struggles in 2025. He underwent a series of tests before learning he had MND just before Christmas.
In an interview with 7NEWS, Ablett spoke candidly about the moment he received the diagnosis.
“I shed a few tears,” he said.
“I’ve been told lately 6-12 months living time.”
In the months that followed, his condition deteriorated, with the former footballer using a wheelchair and experiencing breathing difficulties.
Geoff’s football career began after being recruited from Drouin, playing for Hawthorn from 1973 to 1982. He later had stints with Richmond and St Kilda, retiring in 1985.
He played alongside family members throughout his career, including his brother Kevin and later his younger brother Gary Ablett Snr, who would go on to become one of the game’s most celebrated players.His nephews including Gary Ablett Jnr, Nathan Ablett and Luke Ablett also went on to play at the top level.
Tributes have poured in following his death, with many remembering both his football career and his character.
“One of the most caring blokes who pulled on our jumper and performed for the club week in week out,” a long-time Hawthorn fan said.
“Teacher, brother, mate, player … He kept Kevin and Gary on the football path … Family and friend drove him … had the respect of the Lang Lang community as a darn good bloke growing up.
“Unlike the boys who were a tad wild, Geoff was the leveller … he was a major part of the clan of the Ablett’s and Tuck’s success in VFL football. One of the greatest families in the VFL/AFL …
“So for me, I’ll celebrate the life of a true gentleman, a champion bloke … who just happened to be a player at HFC.”
Another fan added: “Sending love to his family and friends …”
In a tribute, writer Bob Utber described Geoff as “a champion player” who lived “under the shadow” of his younger brother.
“The death of Geoff Ablett through the insidious MND has closed a chapter on a former Hawthorn champion,” he wrote.
“I have known Geoff since he was a schoolboy champion athlete and an outstanding footballer with Drouin under age teams in the West Gippsland Football League.
“Geoff, a trained primary physical education teacher, taught my children at the Pakenham Consolidated school and of course, was a hero to all the kids.”
Away from football, Geoff also served as mayor of Casey and remained closely connected to his local community.
His death comes just months after the passing of his brother Kevin in October last year, marking a difficult period for the Ablett family.
Image: Seven
