GARY Ablett has admitted he rushed back early from shoulder surgery, but says things will be different next time and his return to action is not far off.



On the same day he re-signed with Gold Coast until the end of 2018, Ablett says playing in round one was a little hasty.



After having a shoulder reconstruction last August, the dual Brownlow medallist played the first two matches of the season before stirring up the injury and being ruled out indefinitely. He said he played the opening fortnight at 70 per cent.



Stirred up Ablett ruled out indefinitely



Although not wanting to commit to a comeback date, Ablett said he was progressing well.



"I probably rushed back a little early," Ablett said. "The last training session before round one where I had to prove myself, I did contact work and it felt good enough, so I put my hand up to play.



"Over those two weeks, it probably went backwards, lost a bit of range and it got a little stirred up.



"I just don't think anyone wants to be running around at 70 per cent, that was the case.



"I probably didn't know that until I got out there and there was certain movements I was really struggling with."



Ablett says he is now doing rehab seven-days-a-week and is confident he can return to his brilliant best.



"I don't feel like it's a long way off," he said. "The doctors and physios will come up with a plan and make sure this time ... it will be right and I'll be ready to go.



"The body feels good. It's just the shoulder that's restricted me from doing things that I've been able to do in previous years. I believe I can (get back to my best)."



Ablett said re-signing with the Suns was an easy decision and denied he ever contemplated the romantic notion of returning to Geelong – where he won two premierships.



He backed new coach Rodney Eade and said he was confident the Suns could win a flag during the next three years.



"Rocket's obviously a fantastic coach. It didn't take long for me to know he was the right man for the job.



"Three years is plenty. That's enough time to win a premiership and that's what I'm here to do."