Gold Coast is patiently awaiting the recommended course of action on Gary Ablett’s shoulder injury following the superstar midfielder’s consultation with a leading specialist in Melbourne.
The dual Brownlow medallist flew to the heartland of the AFL seeking further specialist opinion, in a bid to determine the full extent of the injury and most appropriate treatment.
GC SUNS High Performance Manager, Stephen Schwerdt updated goldcoastfc.com.au on Ablett’s injury and provided an insight into the process that has been undertaken, from completing scans on the Gold Coast to boarding a flight out of Coolangatta Airport.
“The process is pretty standard after injuries; the player comes in on Sunday and Monday after the game and gets assessed with our doctors,” Schwerdt said.
“Scans are completed to erase worst possible scenarios which we have done, so the next step is consulting specialists to work out the next course of action.
“’Gaz’ did that today in Melbourne and we’re just waiting on the decision made from the specialist, and ‘Gaz’ in consultation with our doctors.”
The two-time premiership winning midfielder himself remains in good spirits, telling reporters on Tuesday he’s looking forward to finding establishing the next step sooner rather than later.
"I'm still positive; it's part of footy, and you know I'm hoping I can get back and play this season, but I can't control that."
In other injury news, Charlie Dixon is regarded a 50/50 chance of playing against the Western Bulldogs in Cairns this Saturday.
The North Queensland native was subbed out of Saturday’s thriller with a corked calf, but the hometown hero will be given every opportunity to be passed fit by club medical staff.
“He’s still a bit sore as you’d expect, (but) we’ll give him every chance then make a decision later in the week.”
The news isn’t as good for Trent McKenzie, with the rebounding half-back to be sidelined for at least two weeks after sustaining a low-grade hamstring strain.
“Trent sustained a slight strain in his hamstring, and will probably miss a couple of weeks,” he said.
“We got a bye next week which is a positive for Trent, meaning he won’t miss as much.”
Meanwhile, first-year gun Sean Lemmens will be closely monitored in the lead-up to this weekend’s clash after suffering a nasty gash to the head during the final quarter on Saturday.
He was treated with concussion and played no further part of the match.
Schwerdt said Lemmens would following the normal protocols for concussions, and would only be available for senior selection should he pass a series of fitness tests.
“Sean got assessed again this morning and started training; (but) pretty strict protocol in place in regards to concussion, and we have to go through a number of steps.
“Hopefully he pulls up well progressing through those steps.
“He’ll train with the team, but pretty optimistic he’ll be okay.”
