Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch is confident Gary Ablett will play Sunday’s AFL clash with Western Bulldogs despite skipping training on Tuesday.

The dual Brownlow Medallist completed a successful comeback from his 12-week injury layoff against North Melbourne last Saturday.

Ablett kicked three goals and finished with a team-high 31 disposals in the 55-point victory, his first AFL match since round two this year.

The 31-year-old sat out Tuesday’s training run at Metricon Stadium, spending his time in the club gym but Lynch said that shouldn’t be seen as a concern over the midfielder’s fitness.

“Gaz is fine. Your first game back you always pull up a little bit sore but nothing out of the ordinary,” Lynch said.

The convincing win was just the Suns’ second of the year, and Lynch said it was no wonder the team’s fortunes took an upswing with their captain back on deck.

“He’s obviously a champion of the game,” Lynch said.

“It was great to have him back out there but also Dave Swallow as well.

“Just having great players through the midfield, and good strong leaders, definitely helps guys like (Andrew) Boston and Touk Miller coming through the midfield.”

Another star against the Kangaroos was tall Charlie Dixon, who booted seven goals.

The 24-year-old is being linked with a move to Brisbane at season’s end, but Lynch says he just can’t see the Cairns’ product linking up with the Suns’ Queensland rivals.

“He’s having a good year. Been a good vocal target up forward. We want him to stay,” Lynch said.

“That’ll take care of itself but I’m pretty confident he’ll end up staying.”