Gary Ablett has ended his six-year tenure as Gold Coast captain, but says he made the call before a drama-filled off-season at the Suns.

And despite being contracted until the end of 2018, Ablett admits the 2017 season might be his last in the AFL.

Ablett informed his team-mates at training of the decision to relinquish the captaincy, after it was confirmed last month he had sought a trade from the club late last season to return to Geelong as he battled family issues.

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That request was denied, and he also missed the opening days of preseason training on a delayed honeymoon, prompting former Suns defender Campbell Brown to tweet that the 32-year-old's team-mates were upset with him.

But Ablett and the Suns insists the decision had been made between he and coach Rodney Eade at the end of last season.

"I feel it is the right time for a change, both for the club and for me," Ablett said in a statement.

"When I got injured last season, we handed the role over to Tom Lynch and Steven May and both guys, with the help of their team-mates, did an outstanding job.

"It became obvious to me then that we now have the calibre of leaders that are capable of leading the footy club into our next phase."

No guarantee Ablett will play beyond 2017

Ablett had captained the Suns in 96 matches since their foundation AFL season in 2011, but only made 20 appearances for the club in 2015 and 2016 as he struggled with ongoing shoulder issues.

He says matters off the field are more likely to end his career prematurely and that he will discuss his future with the Suns at the end of 2017.

"In the back of my mind, I want to play two years, but I can't guarantee that and that's because of everything that's going on in my personal life," Ablett told the AFL website.

"Trying to juggle football life and life outside football, I need to see where things are at the end of this year and I'll make a decision then."

Ablett, a two-time Brownlow medallist, reiterated his stance that he is wholly committed to the Suns as they attempt to make the finals for the first time in 2017.

"This will allow me to concentrate on my return from injury," Ablett said.

"The last few years have been frustrating, having not been able to get out there and do what I love doing.

"I will do whatever I can to help my successor and his team-mates."

Eade says the club will be in a position to announce a new captain within the next month, with Lynch or May favoured to take the helm.

"As a club, we have had some time to think through the process," he said.

"Gary and I agreed on a transition a couple of months ago but it was appropriate that he tell his team-mates first."

AAP