Gary Ablett is on track to make his return from a shoulder reconstruction in March's NAB Challenge, Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says.



Ablett dislocated his left shoulder while being tackled by Magpie Brent Macaffer in round 16 last year, electing shortly afterwards to have season-ending surgery.



Ablett has yet to return to contact drills but started pre-season training in mid-November, recording a personal best time in a 2km time trial earlier this month.



The two-time Brownlow medallist also recently resumed full-ground skills drills with the SUNS' main training group.



Eade told News Ltd Ablett could return to full contact training by early February.



"He has the all-clear that his operation was good and he's not far away from full range (shoulder movement)," Eade said.



"He's still doing a lot of strength work but I expect he'll be having some mild contact work over the next few weeks and doing full contact (work) early to mid-February.”



"Gary has done all the fitness work and a lot of footy work so I imagine he'll be playing a part in the NAB competition at some stage," Eade said.



The SUNS' NAB Challenge fixture sees them take on Geelong in Townsville on March 1, Greater Western Sydney at StarTrack Oval on March 7, and the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium on March 20.