After overcoming an ankle injury, Nathan Bock will play his first game for AFL newcomers Gold Coast Suns against Sydney at Southport on Saturday - as captain.

The former Adelaide Crows defender will lead a side featuring the likes of ex-Collingwood ruckman Josh Fraser and Daniel Harris - formerly of North Melbourne - in the NAB Challenge game.

Suns vice-captain Bock finally received the green light for his first game after showing no signs of ankle discomfort following training on Thursday.

Bock's welcome return to the playing field means captain Gary Ablett and former Brisbane Lions X-factor Jared Brennan are the only big names yet to play for the Suns in the pre-season.

Ablett, Brennan and convert Karmichael Hunt are unlikely to resurface until the club's historic opening AFL match against Carlton at the Gabba next month.

Hunt is expected to take things easy until the April 2 opener due to "general soreness".

Former Geelong champion Ablett is lacking aerobic fitness after being hampered by a groin injury while Brennan is well behind on his preparation because of an ankle injury.

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