Scott Lucas goes in to bat for Gary Ablett

Scott Lucas has gone in to bat for Gary Ablett.

The champion Cat was well below his best in Geelong’s loss to Essendon last week.

But in the lead-up to the Cats’ clash with Carlton, Lucas told 3AW Football there are two reasons for it that are outside Ablett’s control.

“First, his preparation has been compromised,” Lucas said.

“And then, the role that they’ve used him in.

“He’s not having the impact we have come to expect, but at 34, we’ve got to be realistic.”

Lucas said Patrick Dangerfield’s impact is also curtailed when he plays large parts of the game in the forward line.

Click PLAY for the full discussion

Photo: Joe Castro / AAP