The match committee will face a difficult task at the selection table this week with a couple of senior players returning from injury and putting their hand up for a recall to Rodney Eade’s side.
 
Whilst captain Gary Ablett and revered leader Jarrod Harbrow remain sidelined with shoulder injuries, it appears the experienced campaigners may be closer to returning than first expected.
 
“The two main ones that we’ve touched on previously are Gary Ablett with his shoulder, (there’s) no further update leading into this week still indefinite, hopefully it's sooner rather than later that he makes a return. He will be assessed again next Monday,” Ashcroft told SUNS TV.
 
“Jarrod Harbrow hurt his shoulder last weekend, he’s making really good progress. At this point he may only be one or two weeks away. So hopefully he’s available for the Brisbane game in a couple of weeks.”
 
Key forward Charlie Dixon got through his first hitout of the year unscathed in the NEAFL game against Aspley.

He booted three goals in approximately 80 minutes of game time; getting some much needed conditioning into his legs following minor ankle surgery earlier in the year.
 
Utility Danny Stanley also returned in the reserves after overcoming a lingering quad complaint, but the 27-year-old suffered a concussion early in the game which ended his comeback prematurely.
 
“Danny Stanley suffered concussion in reserves game against Aspley up at Aspley. He’s going through the normal concussion protocols and if he gets through training on Thursday he should take his spot,” Ashcroft said.
 
Off-season acquisition Mitch Hallahan hurt his ribs in the SUNS round two loss to St Kilda, and after not making the trip down to Geelong, he will be available for selection this weekend provided he gets through training on Thursday.
 
Seasoned defender Greg Broughton was another casualty of Gold Coast’s disappointing loss to the Saints and was sidelined with an ankle issue.

Like Hallahan and Stanley, his availability hinges on his ability to train at the SUNS main session this week.

Click here to view the full injury list.