The Suns have the bye in round one but will kick off their AFL life the following week against the Blues at the Gabba.
Ablett has not played in any NAB Cup or NAB Challenge matches as he battled to overcome a groin injury but is hoping to play in Gold Coast's intra-club match next week.
The 2009 Brownlow medalist said he could have played earlier but for a conservative fitness staff.
"I’ve had three or four weeks of good solid training, I would have liked to have gotten out there this week the fitness guys want to hold me back a few weeks," Ablett told goldcoastfc.com.au.
"We play a scratch match the week of round one and I’m hoping to play that game at this stage and then get out there for the first game in round two."
The former Geelong star said this week's NAB Challenge match against the Brisbane Lions would be the first of many hard-fought battles with their cross-town rivals.
"There is definitely going to be a bit of a rivalry there over a few years and the boys are really excited about getting out there and playing on the weekend," he said.
"I wish I could be out there with them."
Gary Ablett is a $494,400 midfielder in the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition
