Hawthorn champion Geoff Ablett has opened up about a confronting motor neurone disease diagnosis that has dramatically changed his life. Once known as one of football’s quickest players, the 70-year-old is now in a wheelchair and dealing with breathing difficulties.
After months of health problems last year and a series of tests, Ablett learned he had MND just before Christmas. “I shed a few tears,” he said. “I’ve been told lately 6-12 months living time.”
A message of support has come from former rival Neale Daniher, who has lived with MND for a decade. Now 65, Daniher can no longer speak and instead uses technology that replicates his voice. “Hi Geoff, Neale Daniher here,” he said. “Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. “Being footballers who played in the same era we have both ridden some big bumps on the footy field but there is no doubt this beast is going to be our toughest battle. “Wishing you well. I hope you’re getting plenty of love and support. All the very best, mate.”
Ablett responded after watching the footage. “I hope you keep inspiring all of Australia to find an answer to the riddle of this bloody beast,” he said. “He’s just an absolute legend, an example to me that I’ve just got to keep pushing on.”
Ablett, the brother of Geelong great Gary Ablett and former Hawthorn teammate Kevin Ablett who died last year, played in two Hawthorn premierships and won four grand final sprints. He also served as the mayor of Casey, and believes the stress of a corruption inquiry that ultimately resulted in no charges may have contributed to his current health situation.
Now being cared for by his sister Janice and his children, Ablett says he wants to leave hospital and return home. “It gets a bit mundane and depressing,” he said. “When you’re at home you’re alive and people are there for you. “They love you and they want to do things with you.”
More than $16,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe to support him.
