Levi Ablett, son of AFL icon Gary Ablett Jr., marked his seventh birthday in January, nearly six years after his diagnosis with Menkes disease. His mother, Jordan Ablett, provided an uplifting update, noting that despite ongoing care needs, Levi remains a joyful child full of life.
Levi’s Joyful Spirit Persists
“He’s doing great,” Jordan Ablett said. “Levi has never lost his big smile and is still showing us how to be present and live in the moment.”
Jordan Ablett recounted the emotional moment in May 2020 when the family learned of Levi’s life-threatening condition. “I just remember sitting with Gaz in that meeting and when they said it I just remember absolutely breaking down,” she shared on the Significant Others podcast.
“There is a very short life expectancy which is why I constantly say to people when they ask about Levi… we are literally just taking it day by day, because we have no idea what the future holds,” she added.
Path to Diagnosis
After consultations with several pediatricians, Geelong Football Club’s team doctor connected the couple with a specialist who confirmed the diagnosis. Children with Menkes disease face challenges absorbing and transporting copper, a vital mineral, leading to developmental delays.
Gary Ablett Jr’s Storied Career
Gary Ablett Jr., son of AFL great Garry ‘God’ Ablett, debuted for Geelong in 2002 as an 18-year-old prodigy. He secured premierships in 2007 and 2009, later captaining the Gold Coast Suns from 2011. He returned to Geelong in 2018 and retired in 2020 at age 41.
Recently, Ablett made a guest appearance for the Glenorchy Magpies against North Hobart in Tasmania’s Southern Football League. “I was really impressed with how skilful the players were,” he said. “It was just nice to be back out there… unfortunately the head was willing, but the legs weren’t working at times.”
