The funeral of AFL great Bob Davis was an occasion for a few tears, many laughs and maybe a bridge being rebuilt.

Two of the most important figures in the recent history of Davis' beloved Geelong - Mark Thompson and Gary Ablett - sat nearly alongside each other in St Mary's of the Angels Basilica on Tuesday.

Thompson and Ablett chatted amicably.

In the space of a few momentous days last September, Thompson quit as Geelong coach and Ablett also left the Cats.

It has emerged that the pair had a falling out - or a strained relationship at best - last year amid constant speculation about Ablett's playing future.

Ablett eventually signed a mammoth contract with Gold Coast, while Thompson joined Essendon as assistant coach to help James Hird.

There is a widespread belief among Cats fans that Ablett would have stayed had he known Thompson was leaving.

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