SUNS CL OSE T O RISE

GARY Ablett believes Gold Coast is close to “clicking” just as Geelong did before it went on a run of three premierships in five years.

The dual Brownlow medallist threw his support behind out- ofcontract coach Rodney Eade and said he wasn’t fazed by the stinging criticism levelled at him after Round 2.

Ablett will confront the Cats this week with speculation rife that he will again request a trade back to his former club at the end of the season.

But the champion wouldn’t be drawn on his future after recently revealing he could retire with a season to run on his lucrative contract with the Suns. Ablett, 32, returned to his scintillating best with a 45- disposal masterclass on Saturday night and was a big mover in Brownlow markets.

The 13- point loss to North Melbourne left Gold Coast 2- 4 – but Ablett said the club’s second coming was bright.

“We’re not getting the results in terms of wins, but I don’t think we’re too far away,” Ablett said.

“I can remember what it was like back at the Cats in 2006 – we had a really disappointing season and missed the finals – and then it just clicked.

“I feel the same here, that we’re not too far away.”

Ablett said Eade was doing “a great job” in his third season at the helm.

“I think he’s implemented the right drills at training. We’re training the right way,” he said.

Ablett and Eade lashed Gold Coast’s ball use but were proud of the young line- up’s effort against the Kangas.

The Suns added four top- 10 draft picks last November and their spine is taking shape with captains Tom Lynch and Steven May starring at either end. Eade should welcome back May, David Swallow and Rory Thompson from injuries against Geelong with Trent McKenzie and Pearce Hanley to follow. Eade has called for patience. “People are saying other teams are young, but we’re younger,” he said. “I think the expectation is because we’ve been in the competition for six years ( but) maybe we’re having a second coming.

“That’s fine. Internally we know what the expectations are.”

Eade said the Suns went too young in the 102- point loss to GWS in Round 2, which sparked debate about Ablett.

Ablett said his performance against the Giants was “blown up into a bigger thing than what it was”.

“That’s the past now and we move forward,” he said.

The champion said facing the Cats would not prove a distraction. “It’s always fun running out against my old teammates,” Ablett said.