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He still wanted the ball and he was good enough to pull a trick more suited to David Copperfield than to a footballer as he flicked the ball in one motion to his mate Joel Selwood,using his left hand to steady the Sherrin and his right fist to keep the umpires happy.
At half-time he had six touches but he had contributed. When he ran out after the long break only one arm propelled him forward while the other hung limp beside him,as though he was running with one hand in his pocket.
Beginning the second half on the bench,he entered the arena again after eight minutes with the Cats on the ropes after Richmond kicked the first two goals of the half.
Immediately Ablett placed a beautiful handball over to Luke Dahlhaus,who gave it to Gryan Miers - who was just three when Ablett made his debut - who kicked the goal.
A bullet-pass to Tom Hawkins ensured his presence was being felt but he was avoiding contact.
However,just before the end of the quarter,the end seemed to arrive for Ablett,as he was pushed into the turf in the goal square and could not rise from the ground as his arm hung limply by his side,like a bird who could not fly because his wing was damaged.
His magnificent career was over,a second grand final loss to go with his two premierships,two Brownlow Medals and certain passage into the Hall of Fame when the time is right.
But another chapter had been written,a toughness to go with the unmatched skill that will serve as the game's benchmark for the next generation.
Only his right arm could be raised above his head to say good-bye,a footballing genius farewelled,respected,even loved,the man born to play football who can play no more.