GOLD Coast champion Gary Ablett shouldn't have played last week against Collingwood in his return from a hamstring injury, according to his manager Liam Pickering. 

Ablett racked up 41 disposals and 11 clearances in the 15-point loss to the Magpies at Metricon Stadium last Saturday after missing the previous week's clash against Sydney. 

The 33-year-old was absent as his teammates ran out to face the Western Bulldogs at Carrara Stadium on Saturday, as Ablett deals with another hamstring setback.

Pickering told AFL Nation he messaged Ablett on Friday to see how the midfielder was faring in his recovery.

"He said he shouldn't have played last week. He said there's a bit of tendon tightness, so he's hoping to play next week," Pickering said.

Gold Coast will host Richmond in round 19.

The dual Brownlow medallist has played 13 matches this year and has averaged 33 disposals per game.