Former Gold Coast SUNS skipper Gary Ablett said the recent criticism he has received through the media was not unexpected.

The dual Brownlow Medallist spoke candidly to GOLD FM’s Bridge and Spida on Thursday morning reinforcing he was genuinely committed to the SUNS. 

“I kind of expected it (the speculation surrounding his future) leading into the season after everything that happened in the off-season, with me asking for a trade,” Ablett said.

“I think everyone knows my reasons why I had that conversation but at the same time I’m fully committed to the SUNS – and I told them that.

“Now I’m looking forward to getting into the game this week and I’m confident we will put in a better performance than in the first two rounds.”

Despite being named runner-up in the Marcus Ashcroft medal in round one, Ablett has received widespread criticism on his performance against GWS.

“Obviously it has been a disappointing start to the season for the SUNS.

“I think we just need to get back to playing good football. We believe in our brand of football.

“It was a terrible start in Round 1 (against Brisbane) but we got ourselves back into the game yet didn’t get the win.

“Then the performance on the weekend (v GWS) just wasn’t good enough.

“To lose by 100 points? We need to bounce back and put in good performances.”

Ablett also backed coach Rodney Eade, saying he was confident the SUNS were undertaking the right procedures at training in order to step up this weekend.  

“We believe in our brand of football. I think ‘Rocket’ (coach Rodney Eade) has done a great job in implementing the right drills at training.

“It wasn’t that long ago in the pre-season games we were playing some really good football, moving the ball well.”

Earlier in the week veteran midfielder Michael Barlow suggested the SUNS battle was a mental one, something Ablett echoed on Thursday.

“I think confidence within a group is a big thing.

“We didn’t start well against Brisbane and you could see the boys’ heads drop after that. We did a great job in getting back in the game but we didn’t get the win.

“Then obviously on the weekend, taking nothing away from GWS, they’re a very good side, but we can’t be losing games by 100 points.

“We need to be competitive and give ourselves the opportunity of winning games.”