WITH Gary Ablett back at his disposal, Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade sung the praises of his team's character for overcoming a tumultuous week with a thumping win over North Melbourne.

Eade said he chose to ignore the outside "noise" of drugs controversies involving former player Karmichael Hunt and Harley Bennell to purely concentrate on on-field matters with his team.

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He was rapt with Ablett's 31-disposal, three-goal comeback, and was also delighted with David Swallow, who produced 22 touches and eight tackles in his first game back from a round four knee injury.

But it was the character of the group that impressed him most.

"I didn't harp on that (drugs issues) to be honest," Eade said.

"I probably focused on bouncing back from last week - I thought it was a poor effort.

"The leadership this week's been terrific in the club, the players really took control at training and control of the spirit and enthusiasm around the place.

"As a coaching group we're just trying to get them to focus on normal preparation, as best they could.

"I didn't really know they'd react, I don't know the group well enough.

"Last week was a disappointment but previously what I've seen with players out, we've had real growth with our leadership across the board.

"The character of the group is really starting to shine through."

WATCH: Rodney Eade's full post-match media conference

The Suns led from start to finish, and aside from three late first-half goals to the Kangaroos, were never really threatened.

Ablett was tagged by Ben Jacobs for the first three quarters, before running riot in the last, and added run and class to a midfield that has been decimated by injuries.

The Suns are still missing Dion Prestia, Jaeger O'Meara, Jack Martin, Jarrod Harbrow and Bennell from their best midfield, but Eade said Ablett's influence was pronounced.

"He's a great player, so having the best player in the competition ... ask Fremantle, does Nathan Fyfe not playing impact on them? It probably does," he said.

"The thing with Gary that shouldn't be underestimated, apart from his ability to win the ball, he actually kicks it to someone when he gets it, or kicks a goal.

"A lot of times we work really hard but we make basic errors. Gary doesn't make those, and the good players don't. I think that's where his impact was."

Luke Russell (fractured finger) and Adam Saad (groin) picked up injuries, but Eade wasn't able to speculate on their severity.