GARY Ablett has left teammate Matt Shaw in no doubt as to the intensity expected at Suns pre-season training.

The skipper appeared to lay a particularly heavy tackle on Shaw as Gold Coast undertook match practice in the heat of Metricon Stadium on Thursday morning.

The entire squad were put through their paces by coach Rodney Eade, who highlighted the importance of experienced new recruits Jarrad Grant, Matt Rosa and Dan Currie to the Suns.

“Jarrad Grant’s training really well - his footy IQ is very, very high which will help our group,” Eade told the club's website.

“Matt Rosa’s very professional, he had an ankle operation over the summer so he’s another one that’s gradually being fed into the main sessions and he’s back full training now but his experience and his leadership has been invaluable so far.

“Dan Currie’s the other one who arrived with a bit of a foot injury and he’s in rehab at the moment, but his program is going exceptionally well and he’ll be right to join in after Christmas.

“So those three we think will have an impact."

All pictures by Michael Willson, AFL Media.

The Suns kick off training with a warm-up at Metricon Stadium.

Kade Kolodjashnij takes a strong tackle in the Gold Coast heat.

A sight for sore eyes if you're a Suns fan. Jaeger O'Meara back on the track.

Ruckman Tom Nicholls leads former Kangaroo Dan Currie in a sprint



Matt Rosa gets used to his new surroundings after crossing from West Coast.

Jesse Lonergan (centre) and Brandon Matera (right) lead the way in the sprint work

Gary Ablett works his magic with the Suns' young fans.

Steven May gets to grips with the coach's instructions.

Ex-Bulldog Jarrad Grant keeps his eyes firmly on the ball.