Once the heat had died down from the extraordinary finish to the 2017 NAB AFL Trade Period, there was only one question on the lips of all Cats fans… What number will Gary Ablett Jnr wear at Geelong?
Could he look to the famous family name? Gary has three family members who have pulled on the hoops. His uncle Kevin wore 35, his father Gary Snr wore 5 and his brother Nathan wore number 23.
It is safe to say none of these look likely to be changing in 2018.
But what of Gary’s own previous numbers?
He leaves the number 9 guernsey at the Suns and former teammate and good friend Zac Smith is now plying his trade in that number. His previous number at the Cats, 29, is now fairly and squarely draped on Cam Guthrie’s back.
But there is one previous number worn by him that is available. When Gary was just a son of a gun playing for the Geelong Falcons in under 18s, he wore the number 11. At Geelong the number is now vacant after Darcy Lang’s departure to Carlton.
But will that be what he decides on?
Patrick Dangerfield made the same move when he returned to his home town, donning number 35 that he wore for the Geelong Falcons.
Currently, there are some other very decorated numbers vacant including 4, 13, 18 and 32.
Or could Gary go for something a bit more abstract?
His brother Nathan wore 55 during a brief stint with the Gold Coast Suns.
No matter what he chooses, no doubt the Cats Shop will have guernseys with number stamped on the back flying off the shelf.
Vote for what you think Gaz should wear below
