In the aftermath of the Gold Coast SUNS' disappointing loss to St Kilda on Saturday night, three players have been sidelined through injury. Captain Gary Ablett and Jarrod Harbrow have succumbed to shoulder injuries, whilst recruit Mitch Hallahan won’t make the trip to Geelong this weekend due to a rib injury.
Gold Coast General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, announced on Tuesday morning that Ablett wouldn’t play this week after being restricted by his shoulder’s range of movement in the opening two rounds of the season.
No definitive timeframe has been set on the dual Brownlow medallist’s recovery, with Ashcroft explaining it would be assessed on a week-by-week basis.
“As reported today, Gary will miss this week and the timeframe is still to be confirmed,” Ashcroft told SUNS TV on Tuesday.
It was a night to forget for revered clubman Harbrow in his 150th career appearance. He didn’t re-emerge after the main break against the Saints, following a subluxation of his shoulder. Harbrow has avoided surgery and will instead undergo an intensive rehabilitation program to strengthen up his shoulder.
“Jarrod Harbrow will miss unfortunately with another shoulder injury. Again for him, he won’t need any surgery it's just rest and rehabilitation. At this early point, he’s a three-to-four week proposition,” Ashcroft said.
The midfield division has copped another hit with ex-Hawthorn inside specialist Hallahan suffering a rib injury from a heavy collision late in the game.
“Mitch Hallahan hurt his ribs last week, a bit sore and sorry yesterday, he hasn’t pulled up as well today so he’ll miss this weekend. We’ll reassess him next weekend,” Ashcroft said.
On a positive note, spearhead Charlie Dixon and reliable utility Danny Stanley will both return in the reserves after completing their rehabilitation from ankle and quadriceps injuries.
