Geoff Ablett, a celebrated dual premiership player for Hawthorn, has publicly shared that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), describing the news as deeply confronting as his health deteriorates swiftly.
A Sudden and Harsh Reality
Ablett, now 70 years old, explained that he received the formal diagnosis just before Christmas Eve last year. This followed an extensive period of approximately twelve months where he was frequently in and out of hospital, undergoing numerous tests as medical professionals sought to understand the cause of his worsening condition.
'There are three types of MND – and Neale Daniher's form progresses more slowly, whereas mine – I have been given a prognosis of two to five years, but I may have already been living with MND for over a year,' Ablett revealed in an interview with News Corp.
'The diagnosis was confirmed on Christmas Eve last year, but looking back, I noticed a weakness in my left leg as early as August 2024.'
Rapid Physical Decline
The former Hawthorn champion noted that his condition has deteriorated significantly in recent months. He has lost the ability to walk, even with the aid of a frame, and now depends entirely on a wheelchair for mobility.
'It has become considerably worse in the last couple of months. I used to be able to walk with a frame, but now I cannot because my balance has completely gone,' he stated.
'This is the first time I have been in hospital knowing that I am not going to get better. And that is profoundly confronting.'
A Distinguished Football Career
Ablett enjoyed a successful Australian Football League career, playing 202 games for Hawthorn between 1973 and 1982. He was part of the premiership-winning teams in 1976 and 1978 and was renowned as one of the fastest players of his generation, earning the nickname 'Racehorse'.
'Put it this way, no-one ever ran away from me while I was bouncing the ball,' Ablett recalled with pride. 'When they saw me coming, they would say 'f*** it, I'd better kick it'.'
After his time at Hawthorn, he played for Richmond and St Kilda before eventually returning to Gippsland following his retirement from the AFL.
Planning for an Uncertain Future
The reality of his diagnosis has compelled Ablett to begin making difficult preparations for the future, including initiating conversations about end-of-life decisions.
'I am putting things in place regarding my quality of life,' Ablett explained. 'I recently met with a psychologist and expressed that if I reach a point where I cannot use my arms and legs, and my lungs fail, then I do not wish to remain here.'
'I have the necessary forms and just need to complete the paperwork for assisted dying.'
Emotional and Personal Struggles
Ablett spoke emotionally about the impact of MND on patients and their families. He praised fellow AFL figure Neale Daniher for his long-running FightMND campaign, which has significantly improved resources and support within the healthcare system.
'A lot of the equipment available here is due to funding from what Neale Daniher has achieved,' Ablett acknowledged. 'If I buzz for a nurse at night, often two come straight away.'
'I have been inspired by his journey and want to thank him for what he has done for fellow MND sufferers. It is a horrible disease, and Neale Daniher has helped immensely in the fight against it.'
The emotional burden of his illness has been intensified by personal loss, including the death of his wife, Joy, from breast cancer in 2021, and the stress of a lengthy IBAC investigation that concluded without any charges being laid.
'I believe so, even if I cannot prove it,' Ablett responded when asked if the stress had contributed to his health decline. 'My wife was in remission, then the cancer returned, and she died on June 10, 2021.'
Family Support and Gratitude
Ablett, the older brother of Kevin and Gary Ablett, emphasised that family support has been crucial as he faces the reality of living with an incurable disease.
'It is a horrible disease,' he reiterated. 'But I am grateful for the care, the support, and for what Neale has done to make things better for people like me.'
Despite the challenges, Ablett reflects proudly on his football legacy, his role in Hawthorn's premiership victories, and the speed that defined his playing days, while bravely navigating his current health battle with determination and openness.
