JARED Brennan will keep his spot in Gold Coast's team against Richmond on Saturday regardless of whether Gary Ablett overcomes a calf injury or not.
Brennan was a late call-up against the Brisbane Lions last week after his captain was withdrawn on Friday.
He had spent the previous two weeks in the Suns reserves after overcoming a knee injury.
Coach Guy McKenna said Brennan had been kept in the twos longer than expected to fix up some areas – namely defence – in his game.
The 28-year-old made the most of his reprieve against the Lions, racking up 21 disposals and kicking three goals.
He was arguably the Suns best player.
Assistant coach Andy Lovell said the Suns were pleased with Brennan's performance and he would start against the Tigers.
"To Jared's credit we thought he performed well against Brisbane," Lovell said.
"What we've said all along with Jared, and every player we've got, we're working really hard for a good balance between offence and defence.
"We felt he gave a bit more of that on the weekend and that's his challenge going forward.
"He'll definitely play."
Ablett's availability is still to be determined after he trained solidly on Wednesday.
The captain did not train with the main group but ran strongly and will be assessed on Thursday morning to see if the swelling in his calf had decreased.
Lovell said they would take no risks.
"In the end it'll be up to the medical staff and Gary," he said.
"If he's available to play, he'll play.
"Gary playing helps enormously, we know that and the whole competition knows that. Whether he plays or not we think we can win the game."
The Suns are expecting wet and greasy conditions in the tropical climate.
Lovell said they did not see it as a home game despite beating Richmond twice at the same venue and receiving excellent support.
Michael Whiting is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
