The injury tidal wave that has penetrated the Gold Coast SUNS this season appears to have subsided. Well, at least for right now. One of the few positives to come out of the trip west was the absence of injuries, something that cannot be taken for granted this year.
 
Harley Bennell did leave the ground just before the final break and failed to play any part in the last quarter. But the medical team are confident the knock to the fat pad on his knee won’t rule him out of contention for this weekend's game.
 
Spearhead Tom Lynch made the trip to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles but was forced to withdraw after failing to overcome a calf complaint that he suffered against Adelaide. The focal point was sorely missed in the 92-point loss at Domain Stadium, with the SUNS breaking down across half-forward without a strong target to kick to.
 
Acting Gold Coast High Performance manager, Matthew Kennedy, told goldcoastfc.com.au on Tuesday, the medical team is confident Lynch will get up to face Collingwood at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
 
Fleet footed rookie Adam Saad is a chance to return this weekend after missing one week with a mild hamstring strain. The dashing defender didn’t make the trip to Perth, but despite his inexperience, his class and speed will be a great asset against a Magpies forward line boasting Jamie Elliot, Jarryd Blair and Travis Varcoe.
 
Luke Russell was also a late withdrawal against the Eagles due to illness and could return on the weekend. The wingman played his first game of the season against the Crows a fortnight ago, gathering 14 possessions and five marks.
 
The form of mature-aged rookie Keegan Brooksby may finally be rewarded this weekend after an eye-catching start to 2015 in the NEAFL.
 
The SANFL product could support in-form ruckman Tom Nicholls against Collingwood pair Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts. Brooksby has been one of the SUNS' best performers in the reserves, with his ferocious competiveness standing out in his efforts to date.