Recovering Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett has confirmed he will play in the Suns' historic AFL opener against Carlton.

The former Brownlow Medallist had raised eyebrows following his high profile recruitment from Geelong after being ruled out of every Gold Coast pre-season trial - including Sunday's much hyped clash with arch rivals Brisbane Lions at Southport.

He had been battling groin and calf complaints but rumours had abounded that the two-time Cats premiership star had been struck down with the debilitating condition osteitis pubis.

However, Ablett took it upon himself to end the speculation after he was again a notable absentee when Suns coach Guy McKenna named his squad for their final pre-season hit-out against the Lions.

The four-time All Australian said it was the training staff - and not a serious injury - that had been holding him back and gave himself the thumbs up for the Suns' AFL debut, a round two showdown with the Blues at the Gabba on April 2.

Ablett even backed himself to play an intra-club match before the Suns' season opener.

"I've had three or four weeks of good solid training," he told the Suns website.

"I would have liked to have gotten out there this week (but) the fitness guys want to hold me back a few weeks.

"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.

While not playing, Ablett said he hoped Sunday's clash helped build a healthy rivalry between the Suns and Lions.

"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 - I wish I could be out there with them," he said.

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