Gary Ablett's bid to return to Geelong this year could be hampered by his stellar form that has him well placed to make a run at a third Brownlow Medal.
Ablett had all but declared in his interview on The Footy Show in April that he wanted to return home to Victoria for family reasons after this season and would even consider retirement despite still having 2018 to run on his contract with the Gold Coast Suns.
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His currency had dropped at that point after his struggles against Greater Western Sydney in round two when he had only 16 disposals, including one in the first term, and his demeanour and willingness to hunt the ball were questioned.
Former Carlton coach Robert Walls said at the time that Ablett's "best is behind him" while Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton said "Gary's cruising around getting superannuation, I reckon".
But his form since that afternoon has been superb. He has averaged a league-high 35.2 disposals, including 45 against North Melbourne in round six and 37 against Hawthorn on Saturday. He is also ranked No.1 for score involvements and No.2 in clearances.
It emerged on Tuesday that opposing coaches Rodney Eade and Alastair Clarkson had awarded him the maximum 10 votes in the AFL Coaches Association award, and he sits in fifth spot (50 votes), three ahead of Patrick Dangerfield and behind Joel Selwood (56), Elliot Yeo (55), Dustin Martin (53) and Rory Sloane (53).
That the Suns play teams currently inside the top eight only four more times could see Ablett's Brownlow odds shorten. He was seventh favourite with Sportsbet and ninth with the TAB on Tuesday.
What this has done is further cloud Ablett's hopes of returning to Geelong, for his form would suggest he is worthy of a first-round pick despite being 33.
Ablett's manager, Liam Pickering, said at the weekend the champion onballer could play for another three seasons.
But what the Cats don't have is a first-round selection this year after trading it last year for Carlton's Zach Tuohy. There have also been suggestions Ablett could be worth a couple of lower round selections but, as one player agent said on Tuesday, his form means he is worth far more. Even if the Cats were able to trade for a high pick, the Suns have made it clear they are not interested in more selections.
They have pointed out they already have a handful of high picks this year, including three second-round selections accrued from Fremantle, Richmond and Hawthorn. Instead, they would want a young, emerging talent, perhaps pairing Jake Kolodjashnij with his brother, Kade. The better Ablett plays, the better the talent the Suns are likely to want in return.
Ablett would have to accept a pay cut to join the Cats from his $1 million-a-year deal but is understood to be willing to do that for family reasons. As reported on The Age's Real Footy podcast, a large chunk of his wage could fall outside of the salary cap and sit as part of an additional service agreement, for the Cats are expected to reap greater sponsorship and marketing deals should the dual premiership star return.
The Suns could yet play hard ball, insisting Ablett, under contract, stays, or is true to his claims and retires.
It also remains to be seen that if the Cats tumble come September, is Ablett in the right age bracket to continue their build? What if the Suns finally shine come September? Could Ablett sniff a premiership in his twilight years before returning home?
As is generally the case with Ablett, the off-field intrigue is as compelling as his form on the field.
BACK IN BUSINESS: GARY ABLETT
Rounds 3 to 12 (AFL Rankings)
Disposals: 35.2 (No.1)
Clearances: 8 (No.2)
Inside 50s: 5.6 (No.3)
Score involvements: 9.9 (No.1)