Two-time premiership player and dual Brownlow Medal winner Gary Ablett is no longer Gold Coast’s only midfield weapon, according to Fremantle’s football manager Chris Bond.

Between rounds 4 and 14 last season, only once was Ablett held to less than 30 possesions, and that was against Fremantle in the Dockers’ 45-point win in round 6 at Metricon Stadium. In the past that might have spelt doom for the GC SUNS, but the No. 9 now has a much deeper supporting cast around him.

"We know how much of a superstar Gary is, but we also know they've got three or four others (to worry about)," Bond told 6PR on Monday.

"To be honest not too many are going to get to the standard that Gary is, but they might get close in (Dion) Prestia and (Jaeger) O'Meara and (David) Swallow.

"(Michael) Rischitelli's now back and playing well. They've got a strong midfield … it's going to be a great contest."

Guy McKenna’s coaching counterpart, Ross Lyon could be forced to canvas his key-position stocks after suffering a barrage of injuries to his big men division.

Versatile tall Tanner Smith is expected to be sidelines for at least three weeks with a hamstring injury, while young gun Max Duffy has been ruled out of action after dislocating his left collarbone. 

Key recruit Scott Gumbleton (hamstring), Alex Pearce (shin) and Matt Taberner (hip) are also among a group of lesser lights on the Dockers’ injury list.

Nonetheless, GC SUNS assistant coach Mark Riley says the Queenslanders are bracing for a high-quality Dockers team when the two sides go head-to-head on to the Patersons Stadium surface this Saturday. 

“We’re going over there to test ourselves against one of the best teams, and one that was fairly impressive in round one,” Riley said.

But a fitter and faster Gold Coast side will enter the contest in the west with plenty of confidence under their belt, after finishing their 18-point round one victory out full of run after being held to just two active players on the interchange bench following the half-time break.  Fremantle made the most interchanges in round 1 with 118 rotations compared to the SUNS’ total of 75, which was the lowest amongst all AFL teams in the opening fortnight. 

“We know we’re pretty fit, it’s been well documented by Guy (McKenna) that this group of men have gotten fitter every year…”

“This is my second season that I’ve seen a pre-season at the SUNS and yeah we work pretty hard, harder than last year.

“Probably still not at the level of some AFL Clubs work at but we’re pretty fit and we can run.”