Gary Ablett Jr.
Widely considered the finest midfielder of his generation, a dual Brownlow medalist whose sublime skill and consistency lifted two very different clubs.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Australian rules footballer·Birthday: May 14·Millennials
Biography
Gary Ablett Jr. carried a monumental surname into the AFL, but he built a legacy entirely his own. Starting at Geelong as a explosive forward, he transformed into the league's most complete midfielder, a player of breathtaking skill, vision, and toughness. At his peak with the Cats, he was the engine of a dominant team, winning two premierships and his first Brownlow Medal. In a bold move, he then became the inaugural captain of the expansion Gold Coast Suns, a challenge that showcased his leadership and sheer will. There, he won a second Brownlow, a staggering feat given his team's struggles. Injuries marred his later years, but his return to Geelong for a final season provided a fitting bookend. His career stands as a masterclass in sustained excellence and evolution.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Gary was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Gary Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Gary's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Brownlow Medal twice, in 2009 with Geelong and 2013 with Gold Coast.
- A key player in Geelong's AFL premiership victories in 2007 and 2009.
- Won the AFL Players Association MVP award (Leigh Matthews Trophy) a record five times.
Did You Know?
He is a devout Christian and has spoken openly about his faith throughout his career.
He and his father, Gary Ablett Sr., are the only father-son duo to both have won the Brownlow Medal.
He wore the number 29 jersey at Geelong as a tribute to his father, who wore number 5 (2+9=11, and 1+1=2, which was his junior number).
““I just love playing the game. I love competing. I love winning.””
