Although Gold Coast respects Gary Ablett, one of the champion's best mates says the SUNS are planning on making his Metricon Stadium return a fizzer on Saturday night.
Ablett, who asked for a trade back to Geelong at the end of last year, will play his first game at Carrara since round 17 last year, and Aaron Hall says he's looking forward to crossing paths again.
"I think people will be looking forward to seeing him back here on Metricon soil, but hopefully we can make it a dour night for him," Hall told AFL.com.au.
"Being on the same field as him, it's hard, you more look at it as Gold Coast versus Geelong rather than Gold Coast versus Ablett.
"You're too in the zone and thinking about where you have to be and what you're doing, where you have to defend, you make 100 decisions a minute, so he'll just be another player on the field.
"If I managed to match up on him at certain times, I imagine there'll be some cheeky banter."
Hall formed a firm friendship with Ablett during his time at the SUNS, and still speaks to the dual Brownlow medallist weekly.
The 27-year-old credits Ablett with having a huge influence on his 102-game career, including getting advice on how to deal with taggers.
Hall was blanketed by Fremantle's Bailey Banfield in round three, and dropped a week later, but has rebounded with two strong outings before Gold Coast's bye.
He said Ablett was always giving of his time as teammates and is the same way now.
"Nothing has changed in our friendship," he said.
"It's been an indifferent year, no doubt.
"I've faced a few challenges. I've always tried to keep positive.
"There's no excuses. We've got a new coach and new game plan and I've adjusted to those … now in round 11, I've managed to have some continuity and I haven't lost confidence."
Not only is Saturday a return for Ablett, but a return for the SUNS, who will play their first home game for 2018 after Metricon Stadium was used to host the Commonwealth Games in April.
They will have their first run on the re-laid surface on Wednesday.
