GARY Ablett had a quiet chuckle when told Anthony Miles is Albury's co-coach. You see the pair have history. In game No. 331, the AFL great tangled with the former Gold Coast midfielder at Carrara and was suspended for the first and last time of his brilliant 357-game career. Ablett, who is guest speaker for the Tigers' pre-season launch at SS&A Club on Friday, says he's looking forward to catching up with the player who blotted his perfect copybook. "I can honestly say it was an accident," Ablett said. "As he (Miles) knows it can get heated on the football field at times and unfortunately when I went to push him in the chest it slipped up and hit him on the chin. "I remember after the game thinking I'm not going to challenge this. "I took the week. "I apologised to Anthony at the end of the game. "I've met him a couple of times since and he's a really nice guy. "It will be good to see him again next week." Miles also remembers the 2019 incident well. "It's probably my claim to fame," Miles laughed. "He's a ripping guy." Ablett retired at the end of the 2020 season with two Geelong premierships as well as two Brownlow medals and eight All-Australian blazers. ALSO IN SPORT: For now, he's enjoying his first break from football since being recruited with pick 40 under the father-son rule from the Geelong Falcons in 2001. "My plan was always to step away from footy for a couple of years," Ablett said. "Obviously after playing at the top level for 19 years, which is a long time, I just wanted to put time into other things that I'm passionate about. "I'm enjoying spending more time with my family. "I'll see after 24 months if I miss it or not. "There are aspects of football that I miss, like rocking up with 45 of your close mates every day, but I'm enjoying retirement." Ablett had his third shoulder reconstruction after playing his final match for Geelong and said it was frustrating 10 months following the surgery. He is now thriving on his regular sporting confrontations with his legendary father, Gary senior. "I'm starting to build up again and doing things like kicking the football with Dad which has been fun," he said. "I'm enjoying the battles with Dad. "We are pretty even at the moment. "We are even on the tennis court and I think he's just got me at golf at the moment. "Dad's still moving pretty well for a 60-year-old." Ablett accepted Albury's invitation to be guest speaker after former Collingwood champion Nathan Buckley was forced to withdraw late due to personal reasons. Previous speakers include AFL legends James Hird, Chris Judd, Paul Roos, Nick Riewoldt and Matthew Richardson. Tickets include a two-course meal and drinks and can be purchased by contacting Gavan Schultz on 0417 125 724 or Brendan Brown on 0417 588 516., Friday's function starts at noon with tickets $180. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: