IT WAS cause for a city, for a football club, to rise to excitement but nothing more, it seems.

Nathan Ablett, Geelong's reluctant hero, returned to Skilled Stadium yesterday for the first time since stunning the club with his decision to retire almost three weeks ago but not to reveal a change of mind or confirm that he has left the game.

In fact, the Cats knew no more of Ablett's intentions after his visit than they did before he arrived, reportedly unannounced. "No one is any wiser," one official said. "He didn't say anything."

Of course, mere sight of the taciturn 22-year-old anywhere near the premiership club's stadium was going to give rise to heady speculation about a change of heart, meetings with coach Mark Thompson and a new start in the New Year.

Then again, it might prove to be that ahead of a hiking trip a nagging injury needed seeing to.

The wait continues.