Season 2017 has come to a close for Gold Coast’s AFL team, allowing injured player’s valuable healing time before their first day of pre-season training. 

Sam Day (hip), Michael Barlow (leg) and Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion), three of the more serious concerns to arise from 2017, are all expected to be at full fitness come pre-season.

“Sammy’s been back around the club now, he’s really enjoying being around his teammates and getting back into training,” Marcus Ashcroft, GM Football Operations, told the Optomo Injury Report.

“He’s progressing along nicely, he’ll continue to train now the season has finished.

“He’ll have another short break but he’s on track to begin with the rest of his teammates day one of pre-season.”

Captain Tom Lynch was a notable absentee from the senior side in the final weeks of season but is progressing well with his PCL rehab.

“Lynchys great, he’s going really well,” Ashcroft said.

“He’s been around the players, he’s been in the coaches box on game day, helping with his leadership.

“He’s been involved in that capacity but his knee has come along really well and he’ll be right to resume full training when the guys get back.”

Callum Ah Chee sustained a corked thigh during the Round 23 match against Port Adelaide, however, isn’t expecting any down time due to the injury. 

Unfortunately Trent McKenzie has finished the season with an ankle injury, with SUNS medical staff suspecting ligament damage. 

“Trent rolled his ankle early in the game, really struggled in the second half,” Ashcroft said.

“There is some ligament damage- if we were looking at playing some more footy this year he’d probably miss 2-3 weeks.

“He’ll rehab that, get himself right, and be ready for pre-season training.

Ashcroft has also said the club weren’t anticipating any players would be requiring major surgery in the off-season.

“Nothing of any significant note, most of them are getting scans for little niggles here and there,” he said.

“At this point we’re confident we’ll have no one going on for major surgery, might be the odd tidy up, but we’ll asses that this week and into next week.”