GOLD Coast's injury woes may signal the end of Nathan Bock's 14-month wait to return to senior football.
Bock, who hasn't played an AFL match since breaking his leg against Fremantle in May last year, put in a super display for the Suns' reserves at the weekend.
The ex-Adelaide star kicked nine goals against Aspley, prompting speculation he might be rushed into the Suns' team to play Collingwood on Saturday.
It was a timely show of attacking intent from the 193cm swingman, as the Suns are struggling for goals with forwards Tom Lynch and Brandon Matera currently sidelined.
The Suns are taking a patient approach to Bock's rehabilitation from his serious injury, but their current lack of bodies may force coach Guy McKenna's hand.
"The good thing is that he is feeling the best he's ever felt since his return," Suns' reserves coach Shaun Hart told the club's website on Monday.
"He proved he is still an elite player and if we had some cleaner entries inside-50 during the first and third quarters, he could have finished with 12-13 goals.
"He looked on the weekend to be athletically capable of playing AFL football again.
"The only thing he has to do now is convince himself, and Guy McKenna, that he can play the game when the ball is on the ground."
Saturday's match was Bock's fifth in the reserves and Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said the veteran's condition would be monitored ahead of any return to the senior team.
"We will see how Nathan pulls up from the game," Ashcroft said.
"He knows what level he needs to be at play at the senior football.
"When he feels he is at that level and our medical and high performance team believe he is ready to play he will be considered for senior selection."
