Gary Ablett Junior is the latest star recruit for the new Gold Coast Suns AFL franchise.

The former Geelong superstar will join the Suns on a five year deal, worth one point nine million dollars a season.

Andrew Keyte reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

It’s one of the worst kept secrets in the AFL ex-Geelong superstar Gary Ablett will play with the Gold Coast Suns next season.

Travis Auld, Gold Coast Suns CEO: “This is a historic day, it is with great pleasure I welcome Gary Ablett to the Gold Coast Suns.”

After season-long speculation, Ablett says he made his decision just yesterday but insisted the new challenge, and not money, was the key factor.

Gary Ablett Jr, Gold Coast Suns Mid-fielder: “I don’t shy away from the fact the money’s attractive especially for a player at my stage of his career, but the challenge of re-inventing myself both personally and on the football field is far more exciting to me.”

The 26 year old Brownlow Medallist and dual premiership winner stopped short of staking a claim for the captaincy, but did express an interest in mentoring the new side.

Gary Ablett Jr, Gold Coast Suns Mid-fielder: “I want to get up there and get out and prove myself as a leader and do the best I possibly can.”

While the Suns described it as the most exciting day in the club’s short history, the response from Geelong chief executive Brian Cook was simply.

Brian Cook, Geelong CEO: “Yeah, he’s gone mate, you want to know, he’s gone.”

Ablett played 192 games for Geelong, kicking 262 goals.

Along with high-profile signings Michael Rischitelli and ex-rugby league player Karmichael Hunt, Ablett gives the Suns a formidable debut list.

Andrew Keyte, QUT News.