GOLD Coast coach Rodney Eade says "early indications" suggest highly sought-after forward Charlie Dixon will remain at the Suns beyond this year.
 
The 24-year-old, whose contract expires at season's end, starred with six goals against the Brisbane Lions last Saturday, helping the Suns register their first victory of the season.
 
Eade said the club was in negotiations with Dixon's management.
 
"(List manager) Scott Clayton and (football manager) Marcus Ashcroft are talking to Charlie's manager as late as last week, so that was even before he's kicked his goals (against the Lions)," Eade told SEN radio on Monday.
 
"We want him to be part of where we're headed and where we're going. Early indications are that he wants to as well; (he's) pretty keen to stay.
 
"He's buying into trying to be a leader which he's never embraced before, but he's got such an impact on the rest of the group, so we're looking for Charlie to be able to develop in that area as well."
 
Of more immediate concern for the Suns, however, is whether to challenge defender Steven May's two-match suspension for his bump on Lions captain Tom Rockliff.
 
Eade said the club was "seriously looking at" challenging the Match Review Panel's findings.
 
"We've spoken to our QC … and we'll make a decision in the morning," Eade said.
 
"It's very seriously being considered to challenge that."
 
Eade said captain Gary Ablett was still at least a fortnight away from returning after being sidelined since round three to nurse his troublesome left shoulder.
 
"He's training with all the players, his rehab work seems to be going well (and) his range is improving," Eade said.
 
"There's still no timeline on it (Ablett's return) but I'd still think it'll be a couple of weeks away.
 
"It's not going to be a month or six weeks, I wouldn’t have thought."