RORY Thompson is slowly being nursed back to full fitness and will be ready for Gold Coast's round one match against Richmond on March 15.
Thompson had a breakthrough 2013 season but has been hindered in preparing for the coming campaign after undergoing a hip arthroscopy in November.
And the Suns are not taking any chances with their prized full-back.
Such is the stature of the 22-year-old at the club, he has been treated with kid-gloves since returning from the surgery.
Having a fit Thompson for the entire season is crucial to the Suns' chances of climbing into finals contention after last season's tally of eight wins.
He is the cornerstone of their defence and a pillar of the future.
Thompson has started playing in some match simulation drills at training, and although no timeframe has been established for his comeback, he will play in the NAB Challenge.
"It was definitely getting frustrating being out, but I'm back in the main group and doing the sessions now," Thompson said.
"Coming back from surgery like I've had, you'll always get niggles in the rest of the body as you get back into the full load, so it's just managing those little things and seeing how I progress."
Thompson played 21 games last season and was constantly pitted against the opposition's best forward.
He curtailed the influence of Nick Riewoldt, Travis Cloke, Drew Petrie and Jack Riewoldt, and had one-on-one success against Lance Franklin before a flood of ball allowed the former Hawk to kick some goals.
200cm Thompson has great agility and closing speed, and now has the confidence to go along with it.
"I had a good taste of all the forwards and I don't think I'm out of their league now, so I'm looking forward to the challenges," he said.
Thompson cannot wait to have some continuity in the back half, with Nathan Bock (leg), Seb Tape (knee) and Steven May (playing forward) all unavailable for large parts of last season.
"Just having that leadership and confidence with the people around you makes a huge difference. Those boys help me out a lot."
