Thompson sees pressure off 'deserving' Ablett

GEELONG coach Mark Thompson says the pressure is finally off champion midfielder Gary Ablett after his runaway Brownlow Medal win on Monday night.

Ablett, 25, has entered the last three counts as the favourite, only to leave empty-handed in 2007 and 2008.

Though recognition flowed in the form of All Australian jumpers, AFLPA and AFLCA Champion Player of the Year awards and a club best and fairest, 'Charlie' had eluded Ablett.

This time he was a convincing and popular victor, polling 30 votes to win from Carlton captain Chris Judd (22) and St Kilda's Lenny Hayes (20).

Thompson said Ablett's stellar three-year period had brought with it pressure and expectation that his player had felt.

"He has been under enormous pressure with the expectations on him winning week-to-week, so it's great that he's finally done it," Thompson told afl.com.au.

"The club was right behind him. We thought he had a fantastic season and was one of the players that should have been favourite for the Brownlow."

A clearly excited Thompson said Ablett was in the top bracket of players he had coached and played against.

"He's an enormous player. He puts in a lot of time. He's a total professional," Thompson said.

"He's alongside and up there with the best."

Thompson added that winning the award would also give Ablett a sense of achievement.

"It's a great award [and] it's very historic. He's won nearly every other award, so he should be entitled to win this one and we're happy that he has," Thompson said.

Geelong players were quick to leave after the formalities, with the business of Saturday's Toyota AFL Grand Final against St Kilda an overbearing concern.

Thompson said Ablett was enough of a professional to enjoy the moment but then turn his focus to Saturday's task.

"He'll be fine," he said.

"It'll just be a normal week from here on in.

"The players have got tomorrow off, and then training Wednesday, training Thursday and training Friday, parade and then play."