There will be changes a plenty at the selection table for the Gold Coast SUNS this week with a number of players set to return from and miss with injury.
After a courageous marking attempt, Alex Sexton has progressed well through his concussion testing following Saturday’s match at Metricon Stadium.
“Alex got a nasty knock, got some concussion, has pulled up well today,” General Manager Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, told the Optomo Injury Report.
“He’s passed day two of his concussion protocols, if he continues he should be available on Saturday night.”
Unfortunately the outlook is not as positive for Callum Ah Chee (shoulder & concussion) and Ben Ainsworth (knee) who also suffered game ending injuries in the Round 19 match.
“Callum Ah Chee also had a concussion on Saturday, what’s complicated his issue is his shoulder, had an issue with that earlier in the year, got a nasty knock on Saturday night and is set to miss this weekend’s game over in Perth,” Ashcroft said.
“[Ben Ainsworth] hurt his knee on Saturday night… there is some bruising around his medial ligament."
Young midfielder Brayden Fiorini (hamstring) and ruckman Jarrod Witts (shoulder) also sustained injuries during the clash with Richmond that have effectively ruled them out of the coming weeks.
“Brayden didn’t have an incident or episode on the hamstring, more tightness and awareness after the game,” Ashcroft said.
“Being a younger player we’ll probably be conservative this week and not play him.
“Jarrod Witts has carried the load for most of the year in the ruck, and done a fantastic job.
“He’s had a couple of episodes on his shoulder – subluxation – he won’t play this week and is doubtful for two weeks’ time.”
In positive news captain Steven May and Gary Ablett are nearing their return from hamstring injuries and are expected to play at Domain Stadium come Saturday.
“Really encouraged they’ll be okay this weekend,” Ashcroft said.
“They were only a day or two late in playing last week, both training strongly last weekend when their teammates played on Saturday night, training again strongly yesterday [Monday] and today [Tuesday].
“All going well they should get through Thursday’s session and play on the weekend."
Brandon Matera and Jarryd Lyons are expected to require one more week to complete their rehab, while Jack Leslie and Rory Thompson won’t return until the final weeks of the season.
