Ablett tells Swans re-drafting is not an option

SYDNEY Swans premiership player Luke Ablett has told the club he will seek a new home at Thursday's NAB AFL Draft, stating that he had no interest in being re-drafted.

Ablett was delisted by the Swans on November 13 and told he was a chance of being re-drafted in either the draft, pre-season draft or rookie draft, but he has made it clear he would prefer to seek a new home for 2010.

Swans coach Paul Roos said the club had started discussing an off-field role for Ablett this month.

“Over the past month we have been having discussions with Luke about a role with the club that was unlikely to involve him playing senior football next year," Roos said. “It’s because we hold Luke in such high esteem that we were looking for a way to keep him involved in the club as a mentor, role model and leader to our younger players.

“After much thought, Luke felt that he still had something to offer to AFL football and has asked that he not be re-drafted by the Sydney Swans.

“We’re very supportive of Luke’s decision and certainly agree that he does have something to offer AFL football, and wish him luck in Thursday’s draft.”

Ablett said he didn't want to spend 2010 playing in the reserves for the Swans as he still felt he could play at the top level.

 “I have been here [Sydney] for nine years and made a lot of great friends," Ablett said. "I would hate to have those memories tarnished by the frustration I think I would feel playing in the reserves when I believe I could still contribute at senior level.

"I still feel I can play senior football and have a lot to offer to a club, so hopefully I will be given an opportunity elsewhere.”

Log on to afl.com.au on D-day, Thursday, November 26, for the most comprehensive coverage of the 2009 NAB AFL Draft. We’ll have live chats, live audio streams, in-depth player profiles, club reaction and our famous afl.com.au Draft Tracker.