RODNEY Eade hasn't sought an assurance he'll see the season out, but the out-of-contract Gold Coast coach expects to know his fate before round 23.

Eade spoke on Thursday for the first time since news broke that CEO Mark Evans was conducting a football department review, and the veteran coach was defiant, saying he'd done enough to earn a contract extension. 

Evans' review has been going for the past few weeks and is expected to take at least another three. 

Eade said he hadn't asked if he would coach the season out. 

"I don't think they'll wait until round 23 for a whole range of different reasons," Eade said.

Gold Coast is 6-9 and sit two games plus percentage outside the top eight.

It is Eade's third season in charge, and with a horrific injury toll derailing his first two seasons, the Suns' mentor said it felt like his first year in the job.

"I've spoken to Mark and I'm confident in the job we're doing and the way we're going about it," Eade said.

"With what's happened the first two years, we've put a good solid foundation in, the players are very supportive.

"The players have bought in, from the feedback I'm getting from them, they know where we're headed."

Eade said "only time will tell" if he's to coach in 2018 and beyond, but he was keen to do so. 

Although Eade prickled at the word "review" (he preferred "assessment"), Evans is running a fine-tooth comb through a department that contains football manager Marcus Ashcroft and list manager Scott Clayton, whose performances will also be scrutinised. 

Eade said this was "great" and something every good club did.

He said the Suns' players had not been affected by the talk surrounding his job.

Gold Coast will welcome back Pearce Hanley and Aaron Hall from hamstring injuries to play Collingwood on Saturday, while veteran Michael Rischitelli will play his first senior game in over 12 months after a knee reconstruction.

Gary Ablett (hamstring) will be named, but will have to pass a fitness test on Friday.

Michael Rischitelli will make his long-awaited comeback on Saturday. Picture: AFL Photos