Geelong star Ollie Dempsey says a faith-based approach to life endorsed by AFL great Gary Ablett jnr has allowed him to escape the pressures of being an elite footballer – while dominating on-field in a new role rival clubs have copied.
Dempsey, 23, said Ablett’s mentorship, whether that be through their shared Christian faith, or when it comes to discussing football, had been central to his growth personally as a grounded and happy man, while arguably becoming the most dominant wingman in the competition.
An ability to shrug off the typical fluctuating emotions of life as a professional footballer helped the former star young basketballer and state representative be named the AFL’s Rising Star in 2024, and play a key role in the Cats’ surge into the 2025 grand final. That superb form has continued this year, heading into tonight’s blockbuster against Fremantle in Perth.
