OUT-OF-CONTRACT Gold Coast midfielder Jaeger O'Meara's long-awaited return to senior football may be delayed again after he sat out the second half of the Suns' reserves team game on Saturday.

O'Meara, 22, collected 18 disposals and booted a goal in the first half before watching on for the rest of the game after experiencing tightness.

Coach Stephen Daniel told goldcoastfc.com.au the club opted to take the conservative route with the NAB AFL Rising Star in 2013.

"Jaeger was just a little tight leading into half-time," Daniel said.

"As we have done throughout, we took the conservative approach and he sat out the second half.

"There is no cause for concern. We will continue to increase his game time and conditioning as his comeback from considerable time on the sidelines continues."

O'Meara has not played at AFL level since 2014, missing all of last season after rupturing a patella tendon in a NEAFL match during the pre-season.

The 124-point loss to the Sydney Swans' reserves at Blacktown marked the third conservative game the West Australian lined up in.

Suns academy prospects Jack Bowes (24 disposals and a goal) and Brad Scheer (27 and a goal) impressed.