GARY Ablett sent SuperCoach into meltdown with his late withdrawal from the Suns’ intra-club match with a foot injury, but the club says he will play in Round 1.

The Suns skipper, 31, will not play in the NAB Challenge against Brisbane next week and is also unlikely to cross the Nullarbor to play West Coast in the second pre-season game on March 3.

That would leave him only the game against Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on March 11 to tune up for the premiership opener against Essendon.

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It is not unusual for Ablett to play one pre-season game.

The Suns took an overly cautious approach to their first four-quarter hitout, resting anyone who had any niggles.

Reigning club champion Tom Lynch, fellow vice-captain Dion Prestia, Jack Martin and Adam Saad were notable omissions while Jaeger O’Meara and David Swallow were not expected to play as they remain in rehabilitation from serious knee injuries.

Coach Rodney Eade was thrilled with the performances of several young players, with draftee Callum Ah Chee and second-year forward Jarrod Garlett standing out.

Jesse Lonergan, defender Rory Thompson and ruck ­recruit Daniel Currie were others to impress the coach.

Ablett’s past two seasons have been ruined by shoulder and knee injuries.

Former Roos ruckman Daniel Currie impressed in the Suns’ intra-club game. Picture: Tim Marsden Source: News Corp Australia

But he has been a more visible presence on the track this pre-season than any other in his time at the Suns and has taken part in the full-contact match simulation work over recent weeks.

He was not in a moon boot nor was there any hint of a limp as he walked around the boundary.

Eade said there was no cause for concern.

“He could have played and he could play next week but we are not going to,’’ Eade said.

“He has a mild foot strain, which is a little bit grumbly at the moment, so we have off-loaded him today and he just did some work on the bike.

“But he has had such a great pre-season there is no point risking him. He wouldn’t have played three NAB games anyway. He will be offloaded for a few days and will start running at the end of next week.’’

Lynch, Prestia and Martin were rested after pulling up sore from a physical session on Monday.

Prestia was scheduled to play but woke on Saturday morning with some swelling on his knee.

All three are expected to play in the opening pre-season game.

Saad rolled his ankle and will be in a moon boot for a week. He will be available for the second pre-season game in Perth.