Tough decision to get surgery: Gaz

[Ricochet]

http://www.goldcoastfc.com.au/news/2014-07-28/tough-decision-to-get-surgery-gaz

It was the decision that had the Gold Coast SUNS, as well as football fans from across the country, feeling as though the 2014 season had become a little lesser, as leading shoulder specialists confirmed the a less-than-positive diagnosis for Gary Ablett earlier this month.

The superstar midfielder, regarded the best of his generation, was no longer set to play a key cog in Gold Coast's engine room, with medical staff determining reconstructive surgery was the most appropriate form of action in repairing his damaged left shoulder.

Having missed only a handful of matches in his 12 years of senior football, the decision to go under the knife didn't come easy for Ablett, as the game's best player exclusively revealed in a candid interview with SUNS TV.

"It was a tough decision (to get surgery)," Ablett said.

"I went down and saw the surgeon and he pretty much gave me the three options; he said you can try to strengthen it up and best-case scenario be back in 4-5 weeks, which would've given me 2-3 games of the season and potentially finals football but yeah he said there's an 80% chance it will pop out again...

"I felt the right decision to make was to go in for the surgery. I guess I didn't want to be running around in those last three weeks, running around at 50 per cent and worrying about if my shoulder is going to pop out again and also thinking about the long-term, as well.

"Obviously the rest of my football career and life after football, as well, so in the end it was an easy decision to make."

With his legendary father having also fallen victim to shoulder problems during the course of his stellar playing career, the dual Brownlow medallist said he leaned heavily on the advice offered to him by Ablett Sr.

"I went away, I spoke to family and friends and I spoke to my dad who's had a dislocated shoulder before and kind of spoke about what he went through," he said.

"I got in contact with a few other people I know that have done the same thing as well and we spoke about the short-term and also the long-term."

While 'Gaz' won't be racking up the disposal count or kicking goals for the remainder of the season, the prolific captain will still perform an important role alongside midfield assistant Matthew Primus in the coaching box, as he looks to bestow his excellence on the club's young midfield brigade.

"I've got the chance now to be around the football club and kind of play my role and do what I can to hopefully get the boys to some finals football and just looking forward to that now."

[The_Captain]

Cant believe they are 0-7 without him. Well sorta can.... Goes to show how great this little man is. Greatest of all time by far!!

[Ricochet]

Yeh they truly do miss him. And its not just his possessions either. Its his onfield leadership and direction as well. Can't see them making the finals with him out now

[The_Captain]

Yeh they truly do miss him. And its not just his possessions either. Its his onfield leadership and direction as well. Can't see them making the finals with him out now

Yeah he is just an all round legend and is a great example. Yeah basically as soon as gaz went down that was there hopes over..