Gold Coast champion Gary Ablett says he is all but certain of making his return to playing next weekend, while insisting he did not make a unilateral decision to miss one more week with a shoulder injury against the wishes of the club's coaches and medical staff.

"I will be there next week," Ablett told 3AW radio about the prospect of playing in the Saturday twilight home match against North Melbourne.

Gary Ablett is set to return on the weekend. Credit:Getty Images

Ablett, a two-time Brownlow medallist, has not played since round two.