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Finals

Early years

50 disposals, 4 goals, 2 goal assists, 11 clearances, 14 tackles and 14 inside 50s in the 2004 finals series - as a kid - was pretty solid effort too. He was one of the best in the semi final win especially. 69 disposals and 13 inside 50s, but just 6 clearances, 1 goal and 2 goal assists for Martin's first 3 finals as a 22-24 year old. Advantage: Ablett.

2005: one excellent final (19 disposals, 3 goals, 8 inside 50s) and one poor final so around Martin 2018. Martin was more in his prime though so the prelim failure stings. Advantage: Ablett.

Peak years

17, 19 and 20 Martin was outstanding, the best finals player from that period. The same could be said of Ablett 2007-2010 - who was better during finals over that 4 year period? Certainly Geelong's best finals performer over two premierships, another grand final and a prelim. It was the same Ablett as the H&A performer. Still, advantage Martin for the Norm Smith's.

Senior years

22 Martin sucked and 19/20 old man Ablett was disappointing, but still managed 3 goals and 3 assists. A couple of decent finals means: advantage Ablett.

2:1 Ablett

Home and away

Early years

Ablett was quite underrated 2004-2006 even if he hadn't unlocked his full potential. The first year coaches votes were published in 2006 he managed 49 votes (more than Martin 2023) and the previous two years were pretty close statistically. 2002 and 2003 were a little lean though and young Martin hit greater heights: advantage Martin.

Peak years

Not even close: advantage Ablett

Senior years

Both had injury interrupted seasons following finish of peak years, both more than handy when out on the park. Ablett kept it going till the ripe old age of 36, with his 2018-2020 a trio of great veteran seasons (two around 50 coaches votes each, as a 34/35 year old). Martin fought back to deliver a good 2023. Can he maintain the rage for a few more years at a similar level? We'll see, but for now: advantage Ablett

2:1 Ablett

Overall: 4-2 Ablett

 Very, very respectable to be scoring 2 points against the champ - the one Martin himself refers to as the GOAT.