Playing God: The Rise And Fall Of Gary Ablett

There had been many demons in Gary Ablett's life but none had haunted him to the point of depression more than fame.

He was the man who fell to earth. Gary Ablett's freakish skills and ability to soar higher than anyone else turned him into the biggest name in Australian sport. But his meteoric rise was followed by a descent to rock bottom.

'Playing God' is a modern-day morality tale about fame and Australia's obsession with its sporting heroes. It traces Ablett's rise and fall - from superstar athlete, worshipped by thousands of loyal fans, to disgrace and humiliation following drug convictions and the death in his presence of a young woman. Along the way it provides and unprecedented glimpse into the hidden world of professional sport: the agents, the fans and the men who protected Ablett from the realities of life - and from himself.