Gold Coast SUNS vice-captain Nathan Bock has high hopes of playing in the season opener after the club declared the defender is a month ahead of his rehab schedule.

After sustaining a broken right leg in round six, Bock spent the remainder of the 2012 season watching on from the sidelines.
GC SUNS coach Guy McKenna said the former All-Australian defender was weeks ahead of schedule in his rehab, and believes he will be ready for their season opener when the Saints visit Metricon Stadium on March 30.  

“The Saints clash may be ambitious but I like the way he is thinking.”

“My reports were that we we’re going to manage him until Christmas… he’s probably done more than what we expected prior to the holiday break, that’s why I’m optimistic.”

McKenna believes that Bock will be able to add an extra 12 months to his playing career after sitting out in 2012.

“He’s had a few niggles before with his achilles and knees, and he had a few grumbles while he was in Adelaide.”

“It’s probably helped freshen his body up which might give him another season later on in his career.”

“The positive thing for us is with Brock returning from his broken leg he’ll hopefully help us win more games of football.”