Kevin Ablett
Full Name: KEVIN ABLETT
Date of Birth: 26/03/1958
Height: 185 cm ( 6-1 )
Weight: 85 kg ( 13-5 )
Guernsey: 36
Debut: 16/06/1984 , Round 12 , North Melbourne
Last Game: 25/08/1984 , Round 21 , Geelong
RICHMOND SENIORS
Seasons: 1984
Total Games: 5
Total Goals: 0
RICHMOND RESERVES
Seasons: 1984
Total Games: 4
Total Goals: 2
BIOGRAPHY
Kevin Ablett, the talented tough Drouin half-forward with the famous football surname, who played five senior games with Richmond, has died. He was 67.
Ablett’s death on October 11th 2025 was announced by the Drouin Football and Netball Club.
In 1984 - his only season at Tigerland – Ablett played all of his senior games alongside brother Geoff (the two had earlier played together at Hawthorn). As well, he played four Reserve games, and kicked two goals.
His senior debut was in Richmond’s non-televised 16-point win over North Melbourne in Round 12, 1984. In the first quarter Ablett was reported for striking John Collins with a right forearm to the face, as he tried to shepherd.
Powerbroker Graeme Richmond later told the press that Ablett shouldn’t have been reported, and that legitimate physical contact was being officiated out of the game.
On Tribunal night he was found not guilty.
Kevin Ablett's Richmond debut
In the family tree, he was the father of 2005 premiership midfielder Luke, nephew of 1943 Richmond premiership player Len, brother of Geelong champion Gary (they would play together in 1985 for the Cats), uncle of dual Brownlow Medallist Gary Jnr, and brother-in-law of Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck.
Whilst at Hawthorn from 1977-1980, he played 31 games, was a highly regarded recruit, and a member of their 1977 night Premiership.
In that match he was involved in a memorable altercation with Bruce Doull when he tackled the Carlton star high across the head, causing Doull, in the words of the TV commentator, to go ‘absolutely berserk’. For the record, his headband stayed on.
After his brief stint at Richmond, Ablett returned to Drouin in the off-season, content to leave the city life behind.
The Tigers sent their hierarchy of Kevin Dixon (General Manager), and Paddy Guinane (Director) in early 1985 to coax him back, without success.
“He’s an exciting player. Tough, strong and quick and is just what we need,” Dixon said in the press at the time.
“We told him yesterday that he was wanted at Richmond and how important he was to the club. Potentially, he is as good as his brother Gary.”
A second visit with newly appointed coach Paul Sproule, Recruiting Manager Russell Cox, and match committee member Graeme Bond was also fruitless.
As a result, Ablett’s last game for Richmond was Round 21, 1984. Fittingly he took the field alongside brother Geoff as they battled Geelong, which included brother Gary.
PRE RICHMOND
Drouin 1972-76 , 1981-83 ; Hawthorn Seniors 1977, 1979-80 , Games 31 , Goals 22 ; Hawthorn Reserves 1977-81 , Games 39 , Goals 20
POST RICHMOND
Geelong Seniors 1985 , Games 2 ; Geelong Reserves 1985 , Games 15 , Goals 7 ; Lang Lang 1986-88 , Captain/Coach
;){kind=link}