Conversation so far:
What did Gary Ablett Sr.
do at Geelong?
He debuted for the Cats in Round 7 and after just nine games on the wing, Ablett was selected to his first State of Origin game for Victoria.
How did he do for the Cats?
Playing mostly on the half forward flank, Ablett won the club's goalkicking award for the following two seasons with 82 and 65 goals respectively.
When did he start playing for the Cats?
Ablett signed a one-year contract for the 1984 season.
What else was notable about his time with the Cats?
was awarded the Carji Greeves Medal as the Geelong Football Club's "best and fairest" player of the year.
Did he win any other honors?
Although he missed out on State honours and failed to place within the top three in the club best and fairest award, Ablett finished with 82 goals.
How long did he play with the Cats?
With his contract expiring at the conclusion of the 1987 season, Ablett shocked the VFL by signing a new five-year contract with his former club, Hawthorn.

Question: How did the public respond to this?
Self-contained rewrite: How did the public respond to Gary Ablett Sr. signing a five-year contract with Hawthorn??