Cat's general manager of football operations Neil Balme said that Ablett expressed the need for some time away from football.
"He explained to the club's leadership group and the coaching staff that he was feeling extra pressure and all parties felt it best that he take time away from the club," Balme said.
Geelong coach Mark Thompson later admits that the young Ablett may have felt added pressure from Ablett's father, Gary who had spoken publicly about his drug addiction and involvement in the death of Alicia Horan just days ago.
"You never know with Nathan what's going to come, but he's just struggling a bit at the moment," Thompson said. "The best thing for Nathan to do would be to continue to play because we can look after him as well as anybody."