Brown blasts missing Ablett
Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown looks like he's taking his no-nonsense playing style on to the pundits coach after telling AFL superstar Gary Ablett it's time to "stand up" as a leader.
Ablett has not played for the struggling Gold Coast Suns since round two because of a shoulder complaint, although doctors have cleared the two-time Brownlow Medal winner to return.
Brown was famous for putting his body on the line in a 256-game career and he says it's time former Geelong star Ablett did the same.
“When is Gary Ablett going to return?” Brown asked on Fox Footy’s On The Couch last night.
“I believe now that Gary needs to get back on the field.
"There’s an obligation to do everything in your powers to play football, even more so as a leader. You can guarantee every player on that list is looking to him as a leader.
“It’s time for Gary to stand up and part of that is playing with injuries. Doctors would not be clearing him if he wasn’t sound.”
Earlier yesterday, Brown's manager Liam Pickering said Ablett would only be back when he was ready.
"Gary wouldn't be pressured into doing anything," Pickering said.
The Sun have won just once in nine games this season and face third-placed Sydney and unbeaten leaders Fremantle before the bye.
