GARY Ablett may not be able to influence the result of the Suns' clash with the Cats on the field on Sunday, but he is already having a hand in the outcome off the field.

Gold Coast assistant coach Ashley Prescott says the injured skipper has been a huge asset to the Suns' coaching staff and players as the team heads to Simonds Stadium for a must-win encounter against Ablett's old team.

"He's got a lot of understanding on the individuals at Geelong, and for him to add value to match committee when we're trying to improve our game style and work out how to beat Geelong has been first-class," Prescott told AFL.com.au's First Bounce.

Ablett has been ruled out indefinitely by the Suns after injuring the shoulder he had surgery on last year. 

"He has to get some more rehab into that shoulder but in our team meetings he's been extremely vocal and he's shown his class and leadership in that area," Prescott said.

Gold Coast defeated Geelong in round 14 last year at Metricon Stadium, with Ablett starring with 33 touches, eight tackles and a goal.