Despite suffering another setback in his recovery from a broken leg, Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna is adamant Nathan Bock can still resurrect his career.

Bock played successive NEAFL games for the GC SUNS a month ago, but after having the bye week to recover, was too sore to play for the reserves at the weekend.

It is more than two years since the 31-year-old shattered his right leg against Fremantle, and aside from two games late last season, Bock has not been sighted at senior level.

He has struggled to play more than two games in succession in the NEAFL, but McKenna said his recovery was "unknown territory" since having a metal rod removed eight months ago.

"He's disappointed. I'm disappointed for him not being able to get up after the bye," McKenna said.

"He did it (played) for two weeks and we were all excited … he's seeking alternative medicine, he's doing everything he possibly can to get himself right.

"There's 14 weeks to go, so it's a long time to get himself right to have an impact in the second half of the season."

McKenna said his last memory of Bock was kicking two goals on Darren Glass last season, and he was prepared to wait for the 140-game veteran to recapture that form.

"I know he can do it," McKenna said.

"The unknown is now that the rod's out, is him having the confidence and belief in his leg, but that's a whole new journey for him. I'm a fairly patient person, so I can wait. I'm probably more patient than him.

"I'm sure he'll get himself right and give himself every chance to get back in the side."

One man who McKenna admits might be lucky to be lining up for the SUNS against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday is rugged midfielder Danny Stanley.

Stanley escaped sanction from the Match Review Panel after an incident involving St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt last Sunday.

Stanley left his feet for a ball in dispute and clattered into the straight leg of Riewoldt.

"I don't think he set out to do anything wrong, that's not Danny's nature," McKenna said.

"I think if you leave your feet in a contested situation, you're liable for any damage that's done. 

"He may have dodged a bullet … you start cannoning into blokes' legs, I think the rules are fairly clear for everyone to see."