Regardless of his previous exploits on a football field, and his unquestionable standing in the game, Rodney Eade says the expectations on Gary Ablett in his return game are set around what he can bring as a leader. Instead of how many possessions he can accumulate against North Melbourne on Saturday.
 
After making a fleeting return in the opening two rounds of 2015, the dual Brownlow medallist returns to football after an absence of essentially a year. And given the tough circumstances that have engulfed the Gold Coast SUNS throughout the first half of the season, Ablett’s return couldn’t be more critical.
 
Whilst some sections of the media will pull apart Ablett’s return game and assess his return based on statistics, Eade says the SUNS hierarchy are just looking forward to Ablett being out there to provide the young playing group with guidance and direction.
 
“I think it will take some time. He’s only played the two games, what are we going into round 14? So that’s 12 weeks (he's missed),” Eade told reporters at Metricon Stadium on Friday.
 
“I know he’s a bit of phenomenon in many ways so he’ll probably be able to slot back in seamlessly.
 
“But our expectations are just being there, just being captain, just being able to give us a presence.
 
“The players are really looking forward to him being back, just as an elder statesmen, just his experience because we’re reasonably young. I think that will help the players.”
 
The return of David Swallow will also provide Eade’s evolving red and yellow midfield with a substantial boost. Last year’s best and fairest winner has not played since he injured his PCL back in round four, and has been rushed back into the senior side.
 
Eade revealed that Swallow was set to return via the substitute’s vest last weekend, but had a minor setback with his knee. The veteran mentor predicted that Swallow might start with the vest against North Melbourne.
 
“Last week he would have played as the sub but just got a knock on the knee. So it’s another week back,” Eade said.
 
“We were thinking about playing him in the seconds. Then when Harbrow pulled out with an ankle and with Harley out, so we just again think about numbers – there’s a fair chance he will play as a sub tomorrow.”