Experienced utility Nathan Bock will be forced to watch from the sidelines as his Gold Coast SUNS team mates contest the NAB Cup campaign and early rounds of 2013 Premiership season.

Bock shattered his leg during the Clubs round 6 match against Fremantle at Metricon Stadium last season and has endured a long and often frustrating rehabilitation process as he looks to recover from the career threatening injury.

The 138 game player has left no stone unturned in a bid to be ready for the start of 2013 AFL season, however club medicos are taking a cautious approach to the former All Australians recovery.

Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, GC SUNS rehabilitation coach Matthew Kennedy said despite being unavailable for selection early in the year, Bock was progressing well.

"He’s certainly on track, but is still a little bit off from getting back to the main training group,” said Kennedy.  

Although not yet able to participating in full-contact training, Kennedy said Nathans program was only slightly modified from the rest of SUNS squad.

“His week is similar in terms of the weights program and light skills sessions, but does not participate in any of the Club’s football conditioning sessions.”

Therefore, it is important for us it simulate as much of those sessions as possible.”

The news is sure to be a huge blow for Bock who has dedicated himself to an exhaustive rehabilitation regime in the hop of being fit and ready for selection in the GC SUNS season opener against St Kilda on March 30th.  

Despite the setback, Kennedy remains confident the Clubs Vice Captain will make a successful return to top flight competition in the not too distant future where he will play a crucial defensive role for the Gold Coast club.    

“Bocky is incredibly determined and has been very professional in the way he has gone about his rehabilitation, and has given the Club every indication to believe he will still be an elite player in the competition," Kennedy said.