He might be planning a holiday at the business end of the AFL season but Gary Ablett has rated the Gold Coast's debut year a success.

Instead of getting into finals mode, dual premiership player Ablett finds himself in the rare situation of having time off in September.

Not that the Brownlow Medallist is complaining.

While he hoped former club Geelong would add to their trophy cabinet this year, Ablett welcomed a break as the Suns prepared to draw the curtain on their historic first season against Hawthorn at Carrara on Saturday.

The Gold Coast have racked up just three wins - a record that does not look like changing even against an understrength Hawks this weekend.

But Ablett believed the Suns would come away from their torrid 2011 introduction a better side.

"It is a little bit different (not playing finals footy) but the body needs a rest at this stage," Ablett said on Friday.

"I'm happy with the way the first year has gone.

"Obviously, we've only had three wins but I've thought the guys have really been competitive in most games and have got a lot out of this season."

Despite finally buying a house on the Gold Coast, Ablett was itching to get away from the tourist strip ahead of the 2012 season.

"I am heading off overseas, but I'm not going to say where," the Suns captain said.

"I'm getting away for a month. I'm going into hibernation, I think.

"I'm actually going to be away for the grand final ... but I'll definitely be watching it no matter what.

"I'm just looking forward to getting away and freshening my head."

The only major disappointment for Ablett was his brother, ex-Geelong premiership teammate, Nathan's predicament.

Dropped for the Suns' final AFL game, Ablett's sibling faces an uphill battle to remain at the club next year.

"It was a little disappointing (he was dropped) but I think the club wanted to try a few of the young guys that probably deserved a game as well," he said after the Suns looked set to blood their 34th rookie this year - young utility Jacob Gillbee.

"He'll go back to the reserves this week and, hopefully, play some good footy there.

"Let's hope they go alright in the finals series and he gets a contract next year."

Ablett will soon become an AFL finals expert with his view from the couch - and he wasn't afraid to give a premiership tip.

"I think Collingwood are in the best form at the moment but I think there's a few teams that could win it if they play well on the day," he said.

"I'll be hoping the Geelong boys go well and can get up.

"I'm sure there's going to be a few boys retire at the end of this year so, hopefully, they can get up."

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