Kevin Ablett dies aged 67 as Drouin mourns member of famous football family

Kevin Ablett, a member of the famous Drouin footballing family that left an indelible mark on the VFL/AFL, has died aged 67.

Drouin Football Club announced the “recent passing” of their former player and coach on Tuesday.

Kevin made his VFL debut for Hawthorn in 1977 alongside older brother Geoff and future brother-in-law Michael Tuck.

He moved on at the end of 1980 after just 31 appearances but returned to league football in 1984 with Hawthorn and then briefly played alongside younger brother Gary Sr at Geelong in 1985.

Kevin’s son Luke later followed in his footsteps to reach the AFL and won the 2006 premiership with Sydney.

“Kevin, a past Drouin footballer and coach, was a great family man and was well-regarded in the local community,” Drouin Football Club said.

“He grew up playing junior football for the Drouin FC and was a part of multiple premiership sides.

“Kevin would go on to play a total of 38 senior games of VFL with Hawthorn, Richmond and Geelong. He was a pacey and skillful footballer playing often on a half-back flank or wing.

“Kevin returned to local football post his VFL career with coaching stints at Lang Lang FC and back at Drouin FC as a non-playing coach in 1999.

“Kevin has lived locally and raised a fine family in the Drouin region. Our heartfelt condolences are with Deb, the kids and the extended Ablett family.

“Always stout and bold.”

Tributes poured in from locals while Lang Lang also mourned their former player and coach.

“Kevin came to Lang Lang in 1986 and playing-coached the club during the 1987-88 season,” the club said.

“We extend our condolences to his family and friends.”

The club shared a newspaper clipping of brothers Len, Graham, captain-coach Kevin and Geoff in the rooms after a game.

Kevin is one of several members of the extended Ablett family to have played top-level football.

Kevin, Geoff and Gary Sr reached the VFL after their uncle Len played for Richmond during the World War II years, winning the 1943 premiership.

After Kevin’s son Luke won the 2006 grand final, Gary Sr’s sons Gary Jr and Nathan won the 2007 premiership together with Geelong.

Gary Jr went on to become an AFL legend and briefly played alongside Nathan at Gold Coast.

Kevin, Geoff and Gary Sr’s sister Fay married 426-game Hawks icon Michael Tuck, with sons Shane and Travis also playing in the AFL.