GOLD Coast expects Nathan Bock to play senior footy again this year, and believe the key position veteran will be akin to having a "new recruit" come 2014.

Bock has played eight matches in the SUNS' reserves since overcoming a fractured leg he suffered against Fremantle in round six, 2012.  

His form in the NEAFL has been excellent, including a nine-goal haul three weeks ago, and has the former Crow in the senior selection frame again.

Although it is doubtful the SUNS would return him on the vast expanses of Patersons Stadium against West Coast on Saturday, development coach Andy Lovell said Bock would not be far away.

"We really expect he'll play before the end of the year barring any more setbacks," Lovell said.

"His development has been really rapid over the last three or four weeks. He's thereabouts, no doubt.

"We want to set him up to succeed, not fail. We're just really mindful he's 100 per cent right to go. We're really confident and really hopeful he'll play soon."

With a metal rod inserted in his leg, and the slow heal of the fracture, Bock has carried a limp for a long time.

However, in recent weeks, he has got back to be close to full pace again.

The 30-year-old is out of contract, and although not passing judgement on list management issues, Lovell said the vice-captain had a huge amount to offer the SUNS in the foreseeable future.

His experience and class alongside Charlie Dixon, Sam Day, Tom Lynch and Steven May forward, or Rory Thompson and Day back, would be a huge asset.

"If he can finish the season off strongly and get a really good solid pre-season under his belt for next year, he's almost a new recruit for us," Lovell said.  

Another player pushing to play seniors in 2013 is Michael Rischitelli, who will return through the reserves from an elbow injury next week.

Lovell said despite the trip west still being one of the toughest in the competition, it wasn't as daunting as previous years with the Eagles struggling on their home deck.

"They've suffered massively from injuries," Lovell said.

"They're a proud club and their coach is a fiercely competitive person so we go over and know we're going to face a really tough team and tough game.

"It certainly presents us with an opportunity if we play really well to give ourselves a chance."

David Swallow (knee), Dion Prestia (hamstring) and Rory Thompson (ankle) all got through Wednesday's main training session and are expected to play if they recover well.