Gary Ablett’s football resume is almost peerless. There is no debating his standing in our game. But it is his leadership that has also flourished during his time at the Gold Coast and according to new coach Rodney Eade, the SUNS playing group crave their captain’s guidance both on the field of battle, and away from the game that brought them all together.

The 30-year-old is close to completing his rehabilitation from a shoulder reconstruction which prematurely ended his 2014 campaign and is on track to appear in at least one NAB Challenge fixture.

Despite his absence from full training during the pre-season, Eade revealed the SUNS skipper has still been able to provide guidance and direction where required. He leads by his actions and demonstrates the importance of living like a professional in all facets of life, something Eade has demanded since he arrived at the club.

“Obviously he leads by actions, not only by his performance on the field but his way he goes about it professionally,” Eade told SUNS TV.

“He’s an ultimate pro in the way he prepares himself and now coming off this shoulder operation he’s putting extra hours into that at the same time.

“I suppose by relative terms, he’s new to the leadership game. And being such a young group they need guidance and help and Gary can pass on his expertise and direction.

“Being out through rehab has probably taken him away from the group a little bit but certainly the players crave his leadership, they look for direction from him. It's an area that he’s improving, he’s getting better at, there’s no doubt about that.”

Eade believes the eight-time All-Australian has grown as a leader since signing with the AFL’s 17th franchise for the 2011 season.

During Geelong’s supremacy, Ablett wasn’t required to rule the roost from a leadership perspective. With such a young crop of players at the SUNS, his guidance has been crucial to the club's success and for the development of the playing group at Carrara.

“I think when he was at Geelong he probably wasn’t as comfortable being a voice,” Eade said.

“He’d just go out and play but I think he’s given a lot more thought to it. The players really look up to him as a leader.”