GEELONG coach Mark Thompson has described Nathan Ablett’s return to the club after a six-month hiatus as just a small step in what he hopes is a full-time return to football in 2009.
Ablett, who trained with teammates on Monday for the first time since walking out on the club on January 7, is eyeing a return to VFL football as he looks to rekindle a once bright career.
"It’s just a small step, I don’t think we should read any more into it than that," Thompson said.
"I don't think there's any way that he'd get back into the AFL team. Even if he's super fit and played VFL, and played great footy, I just don't think it's going to happen."
Thompson said all the club could do was nurture and encourage, rather than pressure the younger brother of Brownlow Medal favourite Gary.
He expected Ablett’s presence to have little effect on the playing group as it hones in on back-to-back premierships.
"He has no intention to play in the AFL," Thompson said.
"He's just happy to come back and play in the VFL and get a game.
"We’re happy that he's come back and is doing what he's doing and we're willing and able to support that."
Thompson was at pains not to set any goals, or limitations, on the 197cm key forward, who last year kicked 34 goals playing second fiddle to Cam Mooney inside the Cats’ forward 50.
His absence has been covered by Tom Hawkins, and more recently Tom Lonergan, who booted four goals in last week’s big win over Adelaide.
This week, the Cats tackle 14th-placed Fremantle in a game Thompson says his players will treat like any other.
"I think the attitude and the professionalism of the players has been outstanding," he said.
"It’s very important that you prepare for each week and each team that you play. That's the key isn't it? Just doing it week-in, week-out."
One player Thompson is preparing for is Freo ruckman Aaron Sandilands, who almost won the game off his own boot – and hand – when the two sides clashed at Subiaco in round six.
"Of course we'll try and play him different," he said.
"Last time we had (Shane) Mumford and (Mark) Blake and he made them both look like midgets – he'll probably do the same to Otto (Brad Ottens).
"You just have to adapt and do what all the other clubs do and rove to his taps."
While Fremantle is foremost in Thompson’s mind, he hoped ANZ Stadium management could sort out the state of its ground in readiness for the Cats' round 20 clash against the Sydney Swans.
"We’ve got to supply grounds that are suitable for games of football without trying to hide any truths," he said.
"If it’s not good enough to play, we shouldn't play.
"I'm not a curator but they have to get the standards to be able to play a reasonable game of AFL football in a safe environment."
