For the second time in a month, persistent hamstring tightness has conspired against Gary Ablett, ruling out the Gold Coast superstar for Saturday’s clash against Western Bulldogs in Cairns.
It’s a disappointing blow for the SUNS following Ablett’s vintage performance in the side’s loss to Collingwood last weekend, finishing the game with 41 touches, 11 clearances and 159 SuperCoach points.
Ablett will be closely monitored by club medical staff over the weekend, and reassessed early next week.
Also missing this Saturday will be Jarryd Lyons (ankle) and captain Steven May (hamstring) who were confirmed as outs in this week’s Optomo Injury Report.
No. 7 draft pick Jack Scrimshaw has been selected to make his AFL debut, while midfielders Jesse Lonergan and Brayden Fiorini make their return to the senior team.
North Queenslanders, Jarrod Harbrow and Jack Bowes will feature in the round 18 showdown, with the latter to play in front of his family and friends for the first time at Cazaly’s Stadium.
Bowes will start from the interchange bench alongside Lonergan, Scrimshaw and Sean Lemmens.
Round 18 AFL Premiership Team
B: J. Harbrow, R. Thompson, P. Hanley
HB: A. Sexton, T. McKenzie, A. Saad
C: M. Rischitelli, A. Hall, M. Rosa
HF: B. Fiorini, T. Lynch, C. Ah Chee
F: B. Ainsworth, P. Wright, J. Martin
FOLL: J. Witts, T. Miller, D. Swallow
INT: J. Lonergan, S. Lemmens, J. Bowes, J. Scrimshaw
EMG: K. Brooksby, J. Joyce, D. Macpherson
IN: J. Lonergan, B. Fiorini, J. Scrimshaw
OUT: G. Ablett (hamstring), S. May (hamstring), J. Lyons (ankle)
