"I have decided to take a break from AFL football for the time being," Ablett said. "I feel as though I don't have the passion and the commitment to continue playing at the highest level. To do so therefore would be unfair to the club and the players."
Geelong coach Mark Thompson expressed hope that Nathan Ablett would return to the club soon.
"He hasn't made his mind up completely so we are hoping that one day he comes back, and that one day is pretty soon," Thompson said.
"He's not really like a lot of other young men who are so passionate about the game and would do almost anything to play. But in saying that he has got enormous ability and we have not given up hope that he will play for Geelong again."