The footy community has paid tribute to Kevin Ablett, the uncle of AFL all-time great Gary Junior, after his death aged 67.
A member of the famous footballing family from the town of Drouin, east of Melbourne, Ablett’s recent passing was announced by Drouin Football Club on Tuesday via the club’s Facebook page.
‘Kevin, a past Drouin footballer and coach, was a great family man and was well-regarded in the local community,’ the club statement said.
‘He grew up playing junior football for the Drouin FC and was a part of multiple premiership sides.’
Ablett made his VFL debut for Hawthorn in 1977 alongside older brother Geoff.
He went on to kick 22 goals from 38 VFL matches with the Hawks, Richmond and Geelong, where he briefly played alongside younger brother Gary Sr. in 1985.
Kevin Ablett passed away recently and tributes have flowed for the former VFL player
Kevin was the brother of Gary Sr (right) and uncle of Gary Jr (left)
The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the footy community (pictured, Gary Ablett Jr and wife Jordan)
‘He was a pacey and skillful footballer playing often on a half-back flank or wing,’ Drouin Football Club said.
‘Kevin returned to local football post his VFL career with coaching stints at Lang Lang FC and back at Drouin FC as a non-playing coach in 1999.
‘Kevin has lived locally and raised a fine family in the Drouin region. Our heartfelt condolences are with Deb, the kids and the extended Ablett family.’
Kevin’s son Luke was an AFL premiership player with Sydney in 2005 and played 133 games with the Swans.
Ablett is a member of what has been called the ‘Ablett dynasty’, a group of footballers all descended from Alf and Colleen Ablett.
Kevin, Geoff and Gary Sr reached the VFL after their uncle Len played for the Richmond team that won the 1943 premiership.
Gary Sr was regarded by many as the sport’s greatest player, and his sons Gary Jr and Nathan won the 2007 premiership together with Geelong.
Kevin (left) celebrates a catch on a fishing trip. He played for three VFL clubs
Kevin (left) was a much-loved member of the Drouin Football Club
His famous brother Gary Sr (right) was named Geelong’s greatest ever player. He’s pictured alongside flamboyant teammate Mark ‘Jacko’ Jackson.
Kevin’s sister Fay married seven-time premiership-winning Hawks great Michael Tuck, with their sons Shane and Travis also playing in the AFL.
‘Condolences to all the family. Kev was a great man and footballer,’ one person wrote.
‘Dear Deb, so sorry to hear of your loss, sincere condolences to your family. We will remember the good times when he lived in Young Street. Sending hugs and love to you all,’ another said.
‘So sad to hear of Kevin’s passing. He was a part of my Drouin years. Condolences to Debbie and the whole family,’ a third said.
Earlier this year Gary Ablett Jr and his wife Jordan opened up for the first time about the rare degenerative disorder that their six-year-old son Levi is currently struggling with.
Levi was diagnosed with Menkes, a rare recessive disorder that affects copper metabolism, leading to neurodegeneration, connective tissue problems and short life expectancy.
