GOLD Coast coach McKenna says Nathan Bock's rehabilitation is a month ahead of schedule, but says the key defender has to be realistic about his potential return date.

Bock, who is back running, is hoping to return to action in time for the Suns' round one game against St Kilda at the end of March.

But McKenna said it was an ambitious goal.

"The Saints clash may be ambitious but I like the way he is thinking," he told the Suns website.

"My reports were that we were going to manage him until Christmas (so) he's probably done more than what we expected prior to the holiday break - that's why I'm optimistic."

Bock has impressed the Suns in his rehabilitation and training, but his progress is being closely monitored by the club.

"I saw the surgeon just before Christmas and he was happy with the progress we're making," Bock said.

"I would like to think round one is a realistic possibility but we will just have to play it by ear."

Despite the horrific nature of the injury, the former Crow said it could actually have some benefits.

"I suppose you've got to look at all the positives and (being out for) most of last season potentially could be put on the end of my career," he said.

"I'll be 30 (this) year and most guys say if you can play until you are 32 or 33 then that is a great result."

Bock is keen to forget a year where everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

The Gold Coast defender missed most of 2012 after a sustaining a broken right leg in round six, his fourth game of the season.

Bock had already missed two games because of suspension stemming from a betting scandal in the 2011-12 off-season.

Compounding matters were other off-field problems - Bock's mother made headlines in September after being jailed for drug trafficking.

"I'm happy to put this year in the back of the mind and concentrate on 2013," Bock told News Limited.

The 29-year-old said 2012 was his hardest in the game.

"Then I felt like it took me a few weeks to get into form and the game I really felt the best was the one against Fremantle when I ended up breaking my leg," he said.

"Then obviously the stuff with Mum had been dragging on ... the year was mentally quite challenging and physically very challenging.

"It was probably the toughest year I've had in footy."