GEELONG coach Chris Scott remains attracted to the idea of welcoming back superstar Gary Ablett, but only on the right terms. 

The 33-year-old requested a trade back to Victoria at the end of last season – which was quickly knocked back by Gold Coast – and last month said he could do the same later this year or possibly retire. 

Ablett is also yet to rule out staying at the Suns and fulfilling his contract, which expires at the end of 2018.

Scott said he would happily see Ablett return to Geelong, subject to a range of key provisos.

"The answer is 'it depends' and it is for every single player in the competition. It's a bit like saying, 'Do you want (Fremantle captain) Nat Fyfe?' The short answer is 'yes', but on the right terms," Scott told Channel Nine on Monday night.

"It depends on what the deal would be, how it would impact our TPP [total player payments]. If there's a cross on any one of probably five or six criteria, it's a 'no'. 

"Would I like, as head coach, him being in our team? The answer is the same as it was last year – yeah, of course."

Ablett attracted a barrage of criticism for his 16-possession performance against Greater Western Sydney in round two, with several commentators saying he looked "disinterested".

However, the dual Brownlow medallist has since responded and is averaging 32 disposals in his eight appearances this season. 

Scott said that while clubs take a player's age into account when recruiting, Ablett was an exceptional circumstance.

"Not many 33-year-olds fit anyone's (list). He might be the best player of all time so he is a little bit unique in that respect," Scott said.

"That is something that the club will work through." 

Ablett, a two-time premiership player, played 192 matches for the Cats before joining Gold Coast at the end of 2010.

He has played 104 games for the Suns but has been hampered by shoulder, knee and foot issues during his time at the expansion club.