With a number of troops expected to return from injury this week there will be a few selection headaches at the Match Committee table this week.

After a disappointing performance in Shangahi a number of changes across the field could be possible even though there are no new injury concerns.

Rory Thompson (hamstring) was a late withdrawal prior to the clash against Port Adelaide. He faces a test to see if he can come back into the team after he was replaced by Keegan Brooksby.

The extra week off has been beneficial for David Swallow, with the midfielder a strong possibility to come straight back into the senior team following a knee injury.

As confirmed in the Optomo Injury Report, Pearce Hanley is set to play some form of football this week and the SUNS’ match committee will debate long and hard about whether the Irishman makes the trip to Alice Springs or regains match fitness via the NEAFL having not played senior football since round one.

It’s a similar situation for Jesse Lonergan, ruled out in previous weeks by a shoulder injury. The 22-year old had worked his way into the senior team earlier in the season on the back of strong NEAFL form, but he may need to return to the seconds to regain match fitness.

Trent McKenzie is also expected to return to football this weekend, but given his long stint on the sidelines will likely join the NEAFL team in Newcastle.

Matt Shaw and Josh Schoenfeld were both travelling emergencies for our last game and their names may also be thrown around the selection table.

Jack Scrimshaw and Will Brodie, the only two of Gold Coast’s 2016 draft crop yet to debut, continue to press their case with solid NEAFL form and will hope to make their debut in the second half of the year.