The wives of Geelong’s Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood pay tribute to their milestone men

As Gary Ablett plays his 350th game for Geelong this weekend and Joel Selwood celebrates his 300th, their wives have given a rare insight into the dedication and heart it takes to be a top-level player with a celebrated career. Ablett plays his 350th, while captain Selwood notches his 300th against Gold Coast on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium. Jordan Ablett, wife of Gary and mother to their 17 month-old son Levi, said the uncertainty of this season made it extra meaningful. “He’s had a magnificent career so it seems fitting to be able to add this milestone to his name but to be quite honest, it’s all the other things that he does away from the football field that makes it even more special,’’ Jordan said. “Privately, we’ve had to navigate a lot of challenges together and recently, so I’m really proud of him for getting to this point because it really hasn’t been easy. “I’m also proud of him for the integrity that he displays. I’ve noticed how players with a big profile tend to be more often under the microscope and Gaz just doesn’t allow it to frustrate him. He speaks so highly of all people, even of those who have criticised him. I still to this day haven’t heard him complain about being booed at particular stages in his career. And personally, I think he’s the ultimate example both on and off the field for all the young kids sitting at home watching and aspiring to be a football player themselves.” Brit said Joel should be commended for his loyalty and durability during a decorated career. “We are just so happy to see him be celebrated in the way he deserves,’’ she said. “He works so incredibly hard, he’s so loyal and has done everything he possibly can to make the Geelong Football Club the best place it can be. To make 300 games at the same footy club, I know makes him so proud, even though he would never admit it. “Sometimes I doubted if he’d ever make it to this point with some of the injuries and way he’s limped or crawled out of bed. “I’ve spent many nights getting him ice, sleeping with the ice machine, putting heat packs in the microwave and cleaning up all those stitches, just so he’d be able to play again the next week. I think we all feel pretty lucky to be able to see him do what he loves because of that dedication.” Jordan said Gary could play on after 19 years, but can see that his priorities have changed. “I certainly believe physically he could keep going. He’s very disciplined with his eating, training and recovery. However I just know that being a Dad is now his number one priority and having been in the game for already 19 years, I don’t believe he’s willing to give up the precious moments anymore that he’s missed so much of in the past because of the demands of footy. He’s had to do that for the most part of his career, but I don’t believe he has to or wants to now. “Gaz has always had a great perspective on footy. That’s something that I fell in love with at the very beginning. He’s never been consumed by fame or been caught up being Gary Ablett and I’ve always found his work/life balance admirable.” Both Brit and Jordan were hoping to attend the match but understand it isn’t possible in the circumstances. “I think we’ll be pretty upset not to be able to share this with him, as we will never get this moment back,’’ Brit said. “I think I’ll just watch it at home with his parents.” Jordan said: “Unfortunately we won’t be there this time, especially as both Gaz and Joel are so deserving of having their families and a home crowd there to celebrate with them. “However, we understand and respect the circumstances for what they are. I’m sure they both know that they will have an entire army of loved ones and supporters cheering them on from home. We will still celebrate all together in other ways.”