Friday night marks 2912 days since Gary Ablett’s last finals game back in 2010. Ablett’s eight-year finals absence at the Suns’ has primed him for a starring role in his return to finals on the weekend.

The 34-year-old will play his 18th final since last playing on the big stage as a 26-year-old, against Collingwood back in 2010, who went on to become eventual premiers.  

We take a look at the little master’s five best finals games for the club.

Geelong 23.18 (156) took on North Melbourne 8.2 (50) in a game to remember. The 2007 qualifying final at the MCG saw Ablett take best on ground, racking up 32 disposals and booting two goals. Throughout the game he also took seven marks and three tackles while his brother bagged three goals. Three weeks later, the Cats broke their 44-year premiership drought. Ablett’s consistent form through the whole year was rewarded, when he was presented with the clubs 2007 Carji Greeves Medal. 

The 2008 qualifying final saw Geelong 17.17 (119) defeat St Kilda 8.13 (61) at the MCG. The Cats’ were in peak form only losing one game in the home and away season; while the little master was also at his best, collecting 35 possessions and kicking one goal. Another best on ground performance saw him in red-hot form going into the following games.

The 2008 Grand final was a day to forget for many Cats’ fans as Geelong 11.23 (89) went down to the Hawks 18.7 (115) in front of 100,000. However, a positive from the day was Gaz’s performance which saw him put on a show with 34 disposals and two goals, seeing him finish second in the Norm Smith Medal count despite being in the losing team.

The 2009 preliminary final saw Geelong 17.18 (120) lock in a Grand final spot defeating Collingwood 6.11 (47) convincingly. Ablett mimicked his 2008 grand final performance gathering 34 disposals and booting two goals to help secure a game for the Cats the following week. Ablett went on to be part of the 2009 premiership team and also claimed the club’s best and fairest award for the second time.

The 2010 preliminary final against the Pies was the last time Ablett played in a finals series. Unfortunately, Geelong 11.13 (79) went down to Collingwood 18.12 (120) who went on to become premiers. Ablett went out with a bang racking up 40 disposals for the game in front of a roaring 95,000 at the G’, in what was to be his last game for the Cats’ before his move north. 10 possessions higher than the next closest cat which was Joel Corey at 30. Ablett played alongside Hawkins, Selwood and Taylor who are the only remaining players in the current team, who will all regather Friday night to take on the Dees’.