The message was simple from Gold Coast Suns captain Gary Ablett in the fallout over his manhandling of young teammate Rory Thompson – get used to it.

Ablett made no apologies for grabbing Thompson to make a point during their disappointing last-round loss to Port Adelaide, saying he would do it again to fire up the AFL battlers.

And the Brownlow Medallist comb speculation the incident reflected his frustration over his move from premiers Geelong to the Suns who have lost 16 straight, ensuring a 0-9 season start.

Ablett seemed bemused by the backlash over his on-field actions which were branded “not acceptable” by ex-Cats teammate Cameron Mooney.

Ablett had even made light of the incident on Twitter, posting a picture in which the young ruckman shaped to punch his Suns skipper with the caption: “I’m glad me and Rory Thompson could work out our differences”.

But the dual premiership winner had no regrets over the incident which occurred while Port pumped in seven unanswered third quarter goals.

“Something needed to change. I didn’t think the body language on the ground was great – I wanted to spark the boys up,” Ablett said on Wednesday.

“It has happened to me in the past when some great leaders I played under at Geelong really challenged me at times – I think sometimes you have to do that.

“I would expect the other boys to do the same if they felt we needed it.”

Ablett admitted he had found the move to the Suns “tough” but had no second thoughts.

“It’s been quite challenging. I hate losing,” he said.

“But I am happy with my decision. I knew it was going to take time up here – it’s boys to men.

“Sometimes I have to look back at how tough it was for me in my second year.

“It will click here. I am just hoping it is before my time is up.”

There were no complaints from Suns coach Guy McKenna over the Thompson incident, cheekily dubbed “Rory Rage” by local media.

“I encourage that. I thought it was good leadership and coaching,” he said on Wednesday.

“He’s a competitive beast. He just wanted to know that this big bloke was going to get his hand on it so he can do something.

“If you wanted to describe leadership I think that was it.”

Meanwhile, McKenna hinted that star recruit Jared Brennan’s exile would continue against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday, saying only injury would force a team change.

“I wouldn’t say he set the world alight (in reserves last weekend),” McKenna said of Brennan.