Australian football icon Geoff Ablett has shared the poignant news of his terminal diagnosis, revealing he has just six months to a year left due to Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This devastating diagnosis came shortly before Christmas Eve in 2025.
Ablett, renowned as the sibling of Geelong legend Gary and Hawthorn star Kevin, has reportedly spent the past year frequently hospitalized. Medical professionals conducted thorough tests to uncover the cause of his declining health.
In an emotional interview with 7News, Ablett recounted hearing the diagnosis: “I shed a few tears,” he admitted.
Back in January, the former winger for Hawthorn disclosed that his health had significantly worsened in recent months, leaving him unable to walk.
His family is now focused on bringing Geoff home from the hospital, rallying to raise funds for the vital care the dual premiership champion requires.
Former Hawthorn champion Geoff Ablett was diagnosed with MND just before Christmas
Ablett revealed to 7News that he may have less than a year left to live, as he battles the disease
To support this effort, his sister Janice has launched a GoFundMe campaign, inviting donations from the community.
He added that being in hospital gets a bit ‘mundane and depressing.’
‘When you’re at home you’re alive and people are there for you,’ Ablett told 7News. ‘They love you and they want to do things with you.’
Members from the footy world are rallying around Ablett, including one of his former rivals, Neale Daniher.
The Essendon great, who was diagnosed with MND in 2013, has sent an inspiring message to the Hawks great.
‘Hi Geoff, Neale Daniher here,’ he said.
‘Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
The footy great won two premierships with the Hawks during his glittering career
‘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 responded to the message that Daniher’s story had inspired him to ‘keep pushing on’.
‘I hope you keep inspiring all of Australia to find an answer to the riddle of this bloody beast,’ he told 7News, in response to Daniher’s message.
‘He’s just an absolute legend, an example to me that I’ve just got to keep pushing on.’
In January, Ablett had praised the work Daniher had done to raise awareness regarding the neurological condition.
‘A lot of the equipment is here because of funding from what Neale Daniher has done,’ Ablett said to NewsCorp.
‘If I buzz for a nurse at night, often two come straight away.
Ablett said he had been inspired to keep fighting by fellow footy legend Neale Daniher (right)
‘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.’
Ablett enjoyed a glittering career in the VFL, winning two premierships with the Hawks.
He made his debut in 1973, going on to play 202 games for Hawthorn before joining Richmond in 1983. The pacey winger would later move to St Kilda in 1985 before hanging up his boots at the end of the season.
He reflected fondly on his footy career, stating: ‘Put it this way, no one ever ran away from me bouncing the ball,’ he said.
‘When they saw me coming, they would say: “F*** it, I’d better kick it”.’
Ablett’s family have started a GoFundMe page to assist with his care
