Gold Coast SUNS skipper Gary Ablett has stressed to his teammates the importance of recovering from a bruising first seven rounds of the season during the bye week.

The GC SUNS have won four of their last five, but Ablett is acutely aware of the impact each game has on his young teammates and how vital the week off is to them before they return to the training track on Sunday.

“It’s important that these guys, the young boys, use this break to make sure they get their body right if they’ve got a few little niggles, and right to go against the Saints,” Ablett said.

“I think a few of the boys need a couple of days off, which is good.

“At the same time, I know the boys will be doing all the right things.  They’ll be training, whether they’re up on the coast or away.

“Such a big part of the season to go and we want to play finals footy, so we’ve just got to keep working.”

The reigning Brownlow medallist will spend time in Melbourne before he returns to the Gold Coast as the SUNS prepare for their third visit to the Victorian capital in the space of four matches when they take on St. Kilda at Etihad Stadium on May 18.

“I’ll probably spend two or three days down here (in Melbourne).

“Gives me a chance to catch up with family and friends.  Won’t be doing too much, just keeping it low key.

“I’ll get back up to the coast and get right back in to it.”