Rating: Average
Gary Ablett an Autobiography blurb excerpt: Drafted in 2001, Gary’s incredible career has spanned two great clubs, three Grand Finals, and two Brownlow medals among many other accolades. In his book, Gary takes readers through the trials and triumphs of his life: on and off the field. My opinion: Gary is a guy whose on-field achievements I have admired for a very long time. He's the son of a legend who became a legend himself. He is without question one of the all-time greats of the AFL. So naturally, I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations or its potential. The book was more of a season-by-season analysis, highlighting a few key games or personnel along the way. I wanted to learn more about Gary as a person. He's the son of a legend, a guy who would be adored wherever he went - what was that like as a kid? He was an Ablett in Geelong colours - how was that experience and how did he shoulder the burden of carrying the legacy of his father? His wife didn't really know who he was, or anything about football, they later had a son who suffers from a rare degenerative disorder - although intensely personnel it would have been great to have some more insight into that? Overcoming injuries - as an athlete what does that process look like? Post career - as his time comes to an end does he have any plans for the future? Although I enjoyed the read (and many many photos) it could have been so much better. I kind of wish he had taken the time post-career to write this. Unlike most footballers, his name is not ever going to be forgotten, so he needn't have rushed it.
Lessons from Gary Ablett an Autobiography:
Don't go looking for your identity in your achievements.
Team success is difficult and requires talent as well as good timing.
Sometimes the best teams don't always win. That's life.
Transparent communication and a desire to grow and improve are at the heart of great teams.
Remember what is most important in life - it's probably not your job or in this case football.
Regardless of what you do, there will always be critics. So do what you believe is the right thing and pay little attention to outside noise.
Know your value.
What Next:
If you are interested in this book, you may want to check out our list of reviewed biographies.
My personal recommendation for those who loved this book - Open by Andre Agassi
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