FORMER Portland footballers Daniel Jackson and Ty Deans had the opportunity of a lifetime on the weekend, when their North Cairns outfit took on a Central Bulldogs side featuring none other than arguably the greatest player of all time in Gary Ablett Jr.

Deans, who had Ablett as his direct opponent at the end of the match, said having the opportunity to see the dual-Brownlow medallist at work first-hand was a “surreal” experience.

“You try not to think about it coming into the game, but at the end of the day it’s Gary Ablett and it’s hard for him not to be the focus,” Deans said.

“It was a weird experience, trying to balance seeing him at work but also actually play the game myself… when he’s bursting through packs and kicking goals off his left boot it’s tough to focus on the game.

“He was an incredible bloke as well, there was a moment when the final siren rang out and it was just the two of us, we shook hands and had a conversation, and it was really incredible.

“Sometimes you hear about these ex-AFL players who come in, play their game and collect their money and they’re off, but he really took the chance to spend time with everyone… he was at one of the Auskick sessions during the week helping out the kids.

“He’s a really humble and down to Earth guy… the way he comes across on TV is exactly what he’s like in person.”

Jackson, who last season claimed the Hampden Football League’s best and fairest award, spent much of the game playing directly against Ablett on-ball and was up close and personal for a signature moment from The Little Master which has since gone viral on social media.

Ablett is seen emerging from a stoppage with ball in hand with Jackson in pursuit, with Ablett showing his speed and agility to break away from the Maskell Medallist and snap a goal from the left pocket on his left foot.

Deans and Jackson’s Tigers have had a solid start to their campaign, currently standing at 2-2 on the season, but Deans said it’s even better start considering the context of where the club has been at.

“This is a side which had only won a handful of games over the past few seasons, so to get two wins early on has been fantastic,” Deans said.

“The club is pretty up and about, and me and ‘Jacko’ have been really welcomed into the community.

“It’s been cool playing alongside one of my childhood mates, and I think it’s also really helped the transition into a new club.”

As for how the game itself compares to Hampden football, Deans said it’s tough to compare them as it’s so different.

“The game is so much more open and there’s a lot less congestion, the pace of the game is quicker up here as well,” he said.

“If I had to pick, I’d probably say Hampden seniors is a bit better than this league, but it’s certainly not far off.”

As for the experience as a whole of being in a different part of the country, Deans said he’s thoroughly enjoying it.

‘I’m working as a cruise sales consultant, which isn’t far away from the travel agent stuff I was doing before I moved, so it’s been good to get into an industry I have some experience in,” he said.

“The weather definitely helps… I’m just enjoying experiencing a new way of life with a good group of people.”