Gold Coast star Gary Ablett will finally make his long awaited return to competitive football next month in the JLT Community Series.
Ablett suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Sun's round 16 game against Brisbane last season. Heย underwent shoulder reconstruction surgery last July and has been recovering since.
Sun's coach Rodney Eade told AFL.com.auย the former Captain has had a "terrific" pre-season and should be fit for the third match of the JLT Community Series.
"He'll start contact training on Monday week and could be right for round two of the JLT Community Series, but I think he'll just play round three and be right from there," Eade said.
"He came back and has done a lot of work. He's done every session, is running really well, and has done the match simulation without being involved in the tackling stuff.".
"I was interested in how his shoulder would be, rather than his actual running fitness, and it was in good shape when he got back. He's just about back to full strength on all the rotations and measurements they do."
The dual Brownlow medallist has been the league's most dominant midfielder for the majority of the last decade. However could be set to move forward this season.
The Suns believe Ablett will be an incredibly difficult match-up for defenders, potentiallyย kicking 50-60 goals a season.
Despite Ablett requesting a trade back to Geelong last October, Eade believes the 32-year-old has settled back in at the club.
"He's been cracking jokes, laughing and giving really good direction on the training track. He's been good for the younger players and training exceptionally well," Eade said.
"When he asked for a trade there were a few things happening in his life, but I think some things have been sorted out and he seems to be in a pretty good spot.
"We'd like him to be around next year."
