Football Legend Geoff Ablett Reveals Terminal MND Diagnosis
In a deeply emotional revelation, former Hawthorn winger Geoff Ablett has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and given a prognosis of just six to twelve months to live. The heartbreaking news comes after an extensive period of medical testing throughout the past year, during which Ablett's condition progressively deteriorated.
A Devastating Diagnosis Before Christmas
Geoff Ablett, brother of Geelong icon Gary Ablett and Hawthorn great Kevin Ablett, received his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis just before Christmas Eve in 2025. Speaking candidly to 7News about the moment he learned his fate, Ablett confessed: 'I shed a few tears. I've been told lately, 6 to 12 months living time.'
The dual premiership winner explained that his health has declined significantly in recent months, stating in January that his condition had 'become a lot worse over the last couple of months' and that he is no longer able to walk independently. This rapid deterioration has necessitated frequent hospital visits, with Ablett describing the experience as becoming 'mundane and depressing.'
Family Launches Fundraising Campaign for Home Care
Ablett's family is now working tirelessly to bring him home from hospital and ensure he receives appropriate care during this challenging time. His sister, Janice, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for medical expenses and support services. Ablett emphasized the importance of being surrounded by loved ones, telling 7News: 'When you're at home you're alive and people are there for you. They love you and they want to do things with you.'
Football Community Rallies Around Ablett
The Australian football world has united in support of Geoff Ablett, with messages of encouragement pouring in from across the sporting community. Among the most poignant came from fellow football legend Neale Daniher, the Essendon great who was himself diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2013.
Daniher sent an inspiring video message to Ablett, saying: 'Hi Geoff, Neale Daniher here. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Being footballers who played in the same era, we have both ridden some big bumps on the footy field, but there is no doubt this beast is going to be our toughest battle. Wishing you well. I hope you're getting plenty of love and support. All the very best, mate.'
Ablett Draws Inspiration from Daniher's Fight
Geoff Ablett responded with profound gratitude, acknowledging how Daniher's journey has motivated him to continue fighting. 'He's just an absolute legend, an example to me that I've just got to keep pushing on,' Ablett told 7News. He added that Daniher's story had inspired him to 'keep pushing on' and expressed hope that Daniher would continue 'inspiring all of Australia to find an answer to the riddle of this bloody beast.'
Earlier in January, Ablett had praised Daniher's advocacy work, noting that much of the medical equipment available to MND patients exists 'because of funding from what Neale Daniher has done.' He specifically mentioned the responsive care he receives, saying: 'If I buzz for a nurse at night, often two come straight away. I have been inspired by his journey and want to thank him for what he has done for fellow MND sufferers. It's a horrible disease and Neale Daniher has helped so much in the fight against it.'
Reflecting on a Glittering Football Career
Geoff Ablett enjoyed a distinguished career in what was then the Victorian Football League, making his debut in 1973 and playing 202 games for Hawthorn before stints with Richmond and St Kilda. The pacey winger won two premierships with the Hawks during his tenure, establishing himself as a formidable presence on the field.
Reflecting on his playing days with characteristic humor, Ablett recalled: 'Put it this way, no one ever ran away from me bouncing the ball. When they saw me coming, they would say: "F*** it, I'd better kick it".' His career concluded at the end of the 1985 season when he retired from professional football.
As Geoff Ablett faces his most difficult challenge yet, the football community continues to demonstrate unwavering support for the beloved champion and his family during this profoundly difficult period.
