GARY Ablett wants Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia to stay on the Gold Coast, but says he is putting no pressure on the out-of-contract duo to recommit.
Speaking at a packed press conference on Monday morning, Ablett said he had spoken with both players about their value to the Suns, but was leaving the decision in their hands.
O'Meara played his first game in 15 months on Saturday and has said all along he wanted to play consistent football before worrying about his future.
Prestia played one of his best games for the season in Gold Coast's win over St Kilda, and like O'Meara, is believed to be in the sights of a number of Melbourne clubs.
"I've had a chat to them both," Ablett said.
"It's not about putting pressure on them.
"At the end of the day they need to make the decision on what they feel is right for them, their family.
"Obviously we want those two guys hanging around the football club.
"They're a big part of this football club, they're valued around this football club and they're important to our football side.
"I know for Jaeger it was about getting back and playing a few games first before they started talking contracts, and I don't know where it's at with Dion, but I'm sure the club is pushing hard, and hopefully we can get both of those guys locked away in the next month or so."
While Ablett is contracted with the Suns until the end of 2018, it hasn't stopped speculation on his future, with former Carlton captain Mark Maclure suggesting he should be traded back to Geelong.
Ablett laughed off the idea, saying everyone was welcome to an opinion, but his sole focus was on playing good football.
He will try to lead the Suns to a second straight win on Saturday when they host local rivals, the Brisbane Lions.
Ablett said the round four loss against the Lions – most notable for Steven May's ugly hit on Stefan Martin – was the club's most disappointing performance of the year.
"We believe our best is good enough to beat them but we need to make sure we bring that," he said.
"It's a big one for us, no doubt it's a big one for them.
"We expect it to be a fiery start to the game.
"We know they're going to come out and be physical and we are as well.
"You take that physicality and you do it in the right way.
"No doubt it is going to be a physical game, but I'm hoping from both sides it will be played in the right way."
