Gary Ablett officially requests a trade

It’s official – Gary Ablett has requested a move back to Geelong.

Gold Coast confirmed one of the AFL’s worst kept secrets on Tuesday, releasing a statement.

“Gary Ablett today informed the club of his desire to be traded to Geelong during next month’s exchange period,” Suns chief Mark Evans said.

“We indicated to Gary and his manager Liam Pickering that there are conditions that will need to be met for the Gold Coast if this is to be achieved.

“Scott Clayton will be available to meet with Liam and Geelong to ensure these conditions are met.”

Former Geelong president Frank Costa told Dee Dee Dunleavy the Cats would love to have Ablett back.

“To have young Gary Ablett back would be tremendous,” Frank said.

He also said he believed fans wouldn’t hold a grudge against Ablett for leaving.

“They’ll welcome him back with open arms,” he said.

“The amount of money that was put up for him was too good for a young fella to turn away from.”

Click PLAY to hear the full chat with Frank