GOLD Coast coach Guy McKenna has guaranteed Nathan Bock a contract for next season after the 30-year-old kicked two goals on his return to AFL football in the SUNS' 17-point loss to West Coast.

Bock was a late inclusion for his first AFL game since he broke his leg against Fremantle in round six, 2012.

The former Crow has been in sparkling form in the NEAFL but only when he arrived at Patersons Stadium on Saturday did the coach have the confidence to play him.

"He's been very close over the last two weeks and he gave us a great target today up forward," McKenna said following the loss to the Eagles.

"He trained Wednesday and given his leg and his condition he doesn’t train a lot Friday so we had to be mindful of how he pulled up.

"He jumped on the bike Friday, so we were certainly undecided if he would play until we got to the ground and he gave me the nod and he said 'I’m ready to go'."

Bock took a strong mark late in the first quarter and calmly slotted the 62nd goal of his career, but he celebrated like it was his first.

The SUNS players came from everywhere to celebrate with him.

He had another set shot moments later, which he missed. 

From there he was relatively quiet until he marked and goaled late in the third term before immediately being substituted for Timmy Sumner.

McKenna was unequivocal in saying that Gold Coast were keen for Bock to remain at the SUNS, despite coming out of contract at the end of this season and was delighted with the veteran's return.

"We’re going to extend Bocky – there is no issue with that," McKenna said.

"The pleasing thing for him and us is that we know he can run around with a metal rod in his leg and provide that sort of target.

"At the end of his season this year that rod will come out and the surgeon, the doctors, medicos are convinced that he will probably still run around with a bit of limp, similar to Barlow and the other blokes with broken legs, but he’ll be back to his best for us next year for sure."