Gold Coast will ask for Mitch Duncan in a trade for Gary Ablett after the dual Brownlow medallist formally asked the Suns for a trade back to Geelong and repeated his warning that he would retire if a trade cannot be done.

Nakia Cockatoo will also be raised as a trade option by the Suns with Gold Coast wanting the Cats to pay some of the contract for next year to repay the front-ended component of Ablett's wage.

It is understood the Suns maintain Duncan's name was raised in preliminary discussions 12 months ago and they will push for him to be part of the trade conversation this year. Duncan has this year emerged as a far better player and it is unlikely the Cats would entertain the Suns' provocative trade push.

The Suns argue their player is under contract, is still one of the best in the game and could lift the preliminary finalists into flag contention.