Former AFL star Gary Ablett Jr.'s Instagram stories praising conservative activist Charlie Kirk after Kirk's fatal shooting have prompted a wave of mixed reaction from Australian footy fans.
Ablett, 41, reposted a series of clips Monday night, including videos from US pastor Cliffe Knechtle that thanked Kirk for upholding what Knechtle described as the "Judeo Christian ethic," and statements in which Knechtle said, "Thank you so much Lord Jesus that he's enjoying your presence like never before." Other reposts showed footage of Kirk with his wife and family and a clip in which Kirk said, "Jesus saved my life," from a past debate.
Many followers reacted with surprise and dismay, noting the contrast between Ablett's sporting legacy and his public expression of religious and political sympathy. On X, one user wrote, "Really disappointed, but like, not surprised." Another commented, "Don't remember anywhere in the Bible where Jesus spoke about hating on minority groups but yeah, 'faith'." A separate post invoked chronic traumatic encephalopathy, simply adding "CTE." Several others described the posts as "ew" or "so gross."
At the same time, other fans defended Ablett's decision to share the material. One X user observed, "Breaking news, a Christian man shares another Christian man’s clips talking about religion." Supporters also praised Ablett as a role model, with one saying, "Gary Ablett junior is one of the great people that all kids should aspire to be like, a true gentleman," while another wrote, "Rather this than people celebrating."
Ablett has long been open about his Christian faith. He has spoken publicly about a turning point at age 21 when, he said, a series of events following a prayer convinced him he was receiving divine guidance. His father, Gary Ablett Sr., is also known for his devout Christianity. The former Geelong and Gold Coast star previously attracted club attention in 2019 after "liking" a controversial social-media post by former Wallabies player Israel Folau; Ablett later said he loved "ALL people regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality" and removed the like after acknowledging it had caused offence.
The reposts come in the immediate aftermath of Kirk's death; media reports identified him as a prominent conservative commentator and founder of a youth-oriented political organisation in the United States. Ablett's sharing of praise and religious commentary prompted debate among Australian sports fans about the role of high-profile athletes expressing political and religious views on public platforms.
Club and league officials did not immediately comment on Ablett's Instagram activity. Ablett retired from the AFL in 2020 and has remained a prominent public figure in Australia both for his achievements on the field and his outspoken personal beliefs.
The episode underlines the broader tensions that can arise when former athletes use social media to comment on polarising public figures, prompting both criticism and support from different sections of their fan base. Ablett's posts have circulated widely on social platforms, reflecting continued public interest in the private views of well-known sports personalities.