Now that Gary Ablett's tumultuous off-season has passed, coach Rodney Eade hopes the AFL star will stay on the Gold Coast beyond this year.
The Suns are forecasting that Ablett will return from shoulder surgery in their third pre-season game, at home on March 9 against the Western Bulldogs.
Ablett suffered a dislocated shoulder in round 16 against Brisbane and underwent season-ending surgery.
It was the third-straight year that injury had hit the two-time Brownlow Medallist.
Then Ablett asked for a trade back to Geelong, which the Suns quickly and predictably hit on the head.
Gold Coast's inaugural captain also stood down from that role after six seasons.
But Eade said on Monday Ablett was in the midst of a solid pre-season and appeared more settled.
"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 told the AFL website.
"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."
Eade added that Ablett was on the verge of returning to full contact training.
"He came back and has done a lot of work," the Suns coach said.
"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."
While Ablett remains one of the game's elite midfielders, there is speculation he will spend more time as a small forward this season.
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