The last time Nathan Bock revealed he would be starting as a Gold Coast Suns forward he ended up copping a two-match ban and $10,000 fine.
So it was no surprise Bock was tightlipped about where he would play in his long-awaited AFL return on Saturday night.
The regular defender was last year unwittingly embroiled in a betting scandal after he let slip to family and friends that he would start last season’s round 24 clash with Hawthorn as a forward.
He kicked the first goal of that match, ensuring a mate and two family members shared in $40,000 worth of winnings.
When the dust settled on a three-month AFL investigation in December, Bock was banned, fined – and red faced.
Despite being suspended, Bock was allowed to play in the Suns’ pre-season campaign and shone in the forward line.
But the former All-Australian defender was not giving anything away as he prepared for his return against Essendon at Metricon Stadium this weekend.
Asked where he would play, a poker faced Bock said: “Not sure yet.
“I will go out there and do what I normally do and give my bit for the team – hopefully we can start being competitive.”
It may take more than Bock’s return to achieve that.
The second year Suns appear to be back to square one after starting the season with a 69-point loss to Adelaide and 92-point thrashing at the hands of St Kilda.
It is a horror start for off-contract Suns coach Guy McKenna as the Gold Coast club weighs up his future.
And with memories of their 139-point loss to the Bombers in the corresponding game last year, it may get worse before it gets better for the Suns.
Bock has had time to run his eye over the Suns from the sidelines and reckoned everyone but captain Gary Ablett had to start putting in.
“A fair bit has been missing at the moment,” said Bock.
“I think we need a lift from everyone in the side except for Gaz (Ablett) – he’s been extraordinary and can’t really do much more.
“But I am sure the boys will bounce back and earn some respect not only from Essendon but the footy world.
“Our first two performances this year have been below par and we really want to respond.”