The Western Bulldogs should be "twitching" at the thought of Gary Ablett being unleashed in the forward line on Thursday, says Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade.
The 32-year-old dual Brownlow Medal winner will make his first appearance of the pre-season for the Suns in their final AFL trial against the Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium.
He has not played since undergoing surgery on his shoulder after round 16 last year.
It marks the start of a new role for Ablett, who will no longer be used as a full-time midfielder.
"I think if I was a defender playing on him I don't think I'd be too excited," Eade told reporters on Wednesday.
"I think I'd be twitching a little bit.
"But it's his first game, so certainly from our point of view we're not expecting great things.
"He's trained exceptionally well over the summer, he's very keen to play, but it's just a matter of getting some game time into him."
Melbourne great Garry Lyon reckons Ablett's shift up forward could give him the opportunity to kick more than 60 goals this season, while many believe it will also help him add years to his glittering career.
But Eade said it would be "silly" to take him away from midfield completely.
"You would think the way he's trained, and we know his talent, if he gets anywhere near his best he's one of the best midfielders in the competition," he said.
"But because of the depth we've got, most if not all of our midfielders can play other spots.
"With that flexibility, Gary will fit into that as well."
The Suns will take close to a full-strength side into the Bulldogs clash, with David Swallow to play a full match and Adelaide recruit Jarryd Lyons set for his first minutes of the pre-season.
"Obviously they're the premiership side so they're a very good team. It gives us an idea of where we're at," Eade said.
Brandon Matera (eye), Trent McKenzie (calf), Jesse Lonergan (quad) and Jarrod Harbrow (ankle) should all be fit to to play in an NEAFL trial match on March 18.
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