With both player and club strongly denying any underlying issues over the Ablett contract delay, Fairfax Media understands the dual Brownlow medallist — now into the final year of his five-year deal with the Suns — has sought a third season on his contract extension.

Ablett's five-year multimillion-dollar agreement with the AFL's 17th team also included a significant marketing component from head office that was the highest in the competition. Expected to take a pay cut from 2016, Ablett's additional AFL funding is not expected to be reduced.

Manager Liam Pickering and Suns list manager Scott Clayton were scheduled to meet this week to resume contract talks initially overseen by former club chief executive Travis Auld while Guy McKenna was coach.

With the 30-year-old making an early start to pre-season training two weeks ago, Ablett is now in a heavy running program with his teammates and expected to play his first game back from injury during the NAB Challenge rounds.

Still working to achieve full range on his damaged shoulder Ablett will receive further treatment on Friday and is currently undergoing a private football program. Determined not to risk re-injuring the shoulder he dislocated against Collingwood in round 16, and which required surgery, he is expected to return to full football skills training after Christmas.

The injury changed the course of the season with Gold Coast plummeting out of the eight and Ablett ultimately out of contention for his third Brownlow.

Neither Pickering nor the Gold Coast would be drawn on Monday on the reason for the delay.

It was reported in early September that the new deal with the player regarded as the best in the competition had not been completed but Ablett has refused to be pressured since.

While the Suns have no issue with re-signing Ablett into his 35th year the two parties have not yet reached an agreement on financial terms.