Promising youngster Alex Sexton believes he has recovered from end of season hip surgery and has his sights set firmly on playing in the Gold Coast SUNS season opener against St. Kilda on March 30 at Metricon Stadium.

The former AFL/AIS Academy member made his AFL debut with the GC SUNS last season after impressing in the NEAFL, playing six consecutive games before injury forced the Queensland product to spend the remainder of the 2012 on the sidelines.

After undergoing successful hip surgery, Sexton returned to the main training group and has begun participating in full-contact training sessions.

Despite still feeling soreness in his lower hip after training sessions, GC SUNS physiotherapist Daniel Jones told goldcoastfc.com.au that it was normal for players to experience levels of discomfort after returning from injury.

“With Sexton still coming back into full fitness, it’s important for him to continue regular treatment to ensure his muscle stay loose in an effort to avoid general soreness,” said Jones.

‘We monitor all players very closely and frequently treat on spots we think could prevent injuries; whether they’re classes as injuries or not.”

With all players engaging in such high intensity training this summer, the GC SUNS sports science department has stressed the importance of preventing potential injuries.

But Jones said he could assure GC SUNS fans that despite Sexton still receiving constant treatment, the talented teenager would be fit to play against the Saints in Round 1.

“He’s training with the main training group, and has not showed us a reason why he wouldn’t be fit to play against the Saints.”

‘If the coaches want to pick him, we’ll certainly clear him to play,” Jones confirmed.