GOLD Coast midfielder Michael Rischitelli has conceded the Suns could have done more to protect returning skipper Gary Ablett against Melbourne at the weekend.

And Rischitelli has promised the Suns would step things up and look out for their captain against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night. 

Ablett was playing his first competitive game in nine months following shoulder surgery and was clearly targeted by the Demons, with youngster Jack Viney particularly rugged on the dual Brownlow medallist. 

Ablett looked rusty, tentative with his injured left shoulder, and was kept to a relatively quiet 19 disposals and two goals in the upset 26-point loss.

Rischitelli, a senior member of Gold Coast's leadership group, said his teammates had to do more.

"We always knew Gaz was going to get targeted, whether he was playing midfield or forward," Rischitelli told AFL.com.au.

"I thought we probably could have helped him out a little bit more."

Ablett trained strongly at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday morning, although it was predominantly a skills-based session.

Rischitelli said Gold Coast would expect the same treatment for Ablett from the Saints as he copped from Melbourne.

"We'll prepare as if he would (get targeted)," Rischitelli said.

"Every week, he's been getting it his whole career, so I suppose another week's not going to make any difference.

"It's good to have him back. He's one of the best players - we need him in the side."

Rischitelli and Ablett were part of a lengthy leadership group meeting following Tuesday's session, which completed the fall-out from the disappointing first loss.

Rischitelli said plenty of home truths had been aired since the defeat.

"The only way to get to the bottom is to be honest with the boys," he said.

"We had a good, thorough meeting. It's obviously not the way we wanted to start round one but we've done our review and now it's time to move on.

"You go out each week trying to play your heart out, and obviously playing against Melbourne we didn't show any effort at all, so we're going to rectify it this week."