BEN King is on track to play in Opening Round after getting through Gold Coast's first intraclub on Thursday morning.
King has had a slow start to the Suns' pre-season after swelling in his knee cut short his 2023 campaign by three matches.
However, with his training progressing, the young full-forward played two-thirds of the hitout at Gold Coast's Carrara training ground, kicking one goal from four shots.
He moved well, taking a number of strong marks before being rested for the final 25-minute third of the contest.
The 23-year-old said he was confident of facing Richmond on March 9.
"I felt great today," King said.
"There's still practice matches and things to tick off, but I'm confident, yeah.
"I felt really good … I wasn't thinking about it at all to be honest, I was just playing footy out there. That's a win."
King played 20 matches last season, after missing 2022 with a ruptured ACL, kicking 40 goals.
He said the thought of being the focal point in the system masterminded by new coach Damien Hardwick was exciting.
"I think back to watching those Richmond premierships a few years ago and they played such an attacking, high-pressure and exciting brand of football," he said.
"We've got our own strengths as a side, but I think that style of play will really help us this year. "
King is out of contract at season's end and said he was loving life on the Gold Coast and a new deal would take care of itself "in due course”.
The Suns' established core were in fine fettle in the 'A versus B' intraclub, with midfielders Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, Sam Flanders and Touk Miller getting plenty of ball, while Charlie Ballard dominated in defence.
Miller was particularly impressive, kicking two goals to go alongside his usual plethora of possessions.
Connor Budarick and Bodhi Uwland both impressed in defence, while Alex Sexton also made a good fist of his move to the back half of the ground, lasering one pass 50m on to the chest of a leading Sam Day.
Mac Andrew, who recently missed some time after copping a head knock in training, played forward, back and in the ruck in the B team.
Brandon Ellis left the contest early after copping a bump to his shin.
