GOLD Coast midfielder Jaeger O'Meara could return as early as round one next year, with his rehabilitation from knee surgery going smoothly.

The Suns star missed the entire 2015 season after rupturing his patella tendon in a freak accident during a NEAFL practice match in early April.

The rare injury came on the back of radical surgery that had repaired patella tendinitis in both knees during the previous off-season.

Writing a column for the AFL Players' Association, the 21-year said everything had been going to plan.

"Everything’s going smoothly with my rehabilitation, and I’m on track to return at the start of the season," O'Meara said.

"Whether it’s round one or round five, I’m not fussed. I just want to make sure I get it right."

The 2013 NAB Rising Star winner did not miss a game during his first two seasons before this year's setback.

He was not the only Sun sidelined though, with captain Gary Ablett, Dion Prestia and David Swallow all suffering different knee injuries and playing a combined total of just 20 games.

"With our midfield depth, I might have to develop other areas of my game over the pre-season and learn how to be more damaging going forward, or to play off the wing or halfback," O'Meara said.

"I can’t wait to get back to the club and get around the boys.

"Hopefully everything goes to plan and I can get back to playing some decent footy next year."