Gary Ablett’s shoulder has covered more newspaper column inches and dominated more radio talkback programs than any other injury in the game’s history. And one game into his comeback from a shoulder reconstruction and still the questions keep coming.

The general public expected miracles from the 'son of God' on the weekend, but given the large chunk of football he has missed and the severity of his injury, Ablett showed that he is human after all.

It will take time for the champion midfielder to not only regain form and match fitness, but also regain confidence in his shoulder that for the duration of his career has never been a factor in his form.

Gold Coast SUNS rehabilitation coach, Matthew Kennedy, told SUNS TV that Ablett pulled up a little sore following the weekend’s game against Melbourne – but that is to be expected and not a point of any concern whatsoever.

“Gary obviously played on the weekend and got into some fairly comprising positions in different tackles and contact that was made early, mid and late in the game,” Kennedy told the Optomo Injury Report on Tuesday afternoon.

“He did come out sore which we expected, which is going to happen for a period (of time), but we just need to manage that really closely, ensure that we do the right things early in the week so he can get his strength into him later in the week to maintain that strength around the area.

“He was a little sore, but happy that he got through. He just needs to be carefully managed, particularly in this early part of the season. One game over, onwards and upwards for the skipper.”

Kennedy revealed utility Danny Stanley and tall forward Charlie Dixon were edging closer to a return to full fitness and should be available for selection in the coming weeks.

Stanley has been hampered by a persistent quad injury that has taken a little longer than first thought to respond to kicking. But giving their tendency to linger, the club is taking a conservative approach to his recovery.

Dixon is nearing the closing stages of his rehabilitation from ankle surgery, and Kennedy said he needs some durability and conditioning to hold him in good stead for the season ahead.