AFL team Gold Coast persist with Ablett
Gold Coast is persisting in giving former Geelong premiership forward Nathan Ablett every possible chance to prove he should be on their 2011 AFL list.
Ablett's form has wavered during the VFL season, but if there's one thing that has improved in recent weeks and has impressed Suns coach Guy McKenna it's his attitude.
The 24-year-old key forward returns from illness to be given the plum full forward posting against the Werribee Tigers at Southport on Saturday in the Suns' penultimate game of the season.
McKenna said there have been a lot of encouraging signs in the past month or so, but still not enough for the Suns to yet offer the 2007 Geelong AFL premiership forward a contract.
"We have to sit down with the recruiting department and make sure we are crystal clear on our assessments on the boys and anyone with a question mark we have to have a look at them," McKenna said.
"Nathan obviously will come in after being crook last week and we have to make an assessment on him still. For example we want to see if Nathan can earn his spot at full forward for us.
"It's about giving him the best opportunity. For a six foot, four (inch) premiership forward there's some latitude there.
We have to make sure the decision we make on Nathan, like all the other boys, is that they have been given enough opportunities.
"He's sorted out those (mental) demons and he's vibrant and lively. He's actually starting to spike up."
Ablett, like most of those thirsty for an AFL contract, will know where their future lies soon after as the season is over.
He will also know if brother Gary will be a teammate.
The Suns will conduct their club championship count the day after their final game and then the following day start culling the list.
McKenna said most of the teenagers will have a clear understanding of their AFL career soon after the VFL season finishes, while a few will have to patiently wait on the verdict of the Suns' recruiting guru Scott Clayton.
"There are people who want to know about their life," McKenna said.
"There will be those able to know and some won't know as Scott will be juggling the uncontracted and the draft and those sorts of things."
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