Tune into SUNS TV for the full interview

By Ashley Browne

Umpires should pay early free kicks in matches to send a message to taggers who use illegal tactics, according to Gold Coast SUNS superstar Gary Ablett.

Ablett has been engaged in a running feud with high-profile run-with players for years, most recently Western Bulldog Liam Picken during the round eight clash at TIO Stadium last month.

In an exclusive interview with AFL.com.au, the Gold Coast SUNS skipper said he had no problem with shutdown players, as long as they play within the rules of the game.

"It is [unfair] when players aren't looking at the ball at stoppages, or they go against the rules to stop you," Ablett said.

"It's a tough job for the umpires because they have to watch the stoppage and every player at the stoppage, but if they can pay a few free kicks early in the game they can stop it."

Ablett also joined in the deafening chorus among AFL players and coaches for the League not to introduce the 'two-substitute, two-interchange rule' for 2013. Indeed, the 2009 Brownlow medalist called on the AFL to scrap the substitute rule altogether, arguing that subs generally find it difficult to have an impact on games.

"I think it's hard for a player like the sub to come on and be involved in the game when they've only played a half," he said.

"You want to give younger guys as much of an opportunity as you can but if there were four spots on the bench, then they would get more game time which is more experience for them. That would be fantastic for a young side like us."

In a wide-ranging discussion, Ablett also talked about his on-field role at Gold Coast, which includes a greater need to win contested possessions than he needed to at Geelong and his job off the field, where recognition, both his own and that of the AFL has skyrocketed.

Ablett also offers his views on the progress of the SUNS to date and has his say on who will win this year's flag and whether the premiership window of his former club still remains open.

And he offers a surprise tip as to who might be the next captain of the SUNS.