Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna will be left to mull over a number of different scenarios in match committee this week, with Collingwood a chance to recall as many as six players for Saturday’s clash at Metricon Stadium.
The Magpies’ NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Tom Langdon and Marley Williams were both withdrawn from the side’s 15-point win over Carlton with concussion and ankle injuries, respectively, but are expected to be in line for senior returns according to Collingwood’s Director of Football, Rodney Eade.
“Tommy passed his concussion test on the Friday but it’s been a long year for him and having the effects of that knock we just thought it would be best that he was rested from the game,” Eade told CollingwoodTV.
“Marley has made a very good progression and we’re hopeful that he’ll be able to play on the weekend.
“He’ll have a test later on in the week but we’re pretty confident that he will be able to play.”
In what will come as a major boost for Gold Coast, talented forward Jamie Elliott is considered doubtful for the round 15 match following his substitution due to a hamstring injury on Sunday night.
“He just felt an awareness in his hamstring. He alerted us to that fact and it was best to actually take him out of the game,” Eade said.
“The scan looks pretty good, even though it’s like more of a cramp situation.
“There was obviously a sensation there so with the six-day break it is unlikely that he’ll play this week.”
Meantime, McKenna’s coaching counterpart in Nathan Buckley will have some tough decisions to make, including what to do with premiership captain Nick Maxwell.
The Magpies’ highly-regarded leader has been nursing a calf injury for the past month, but could make a surprise return against the GC SUNS.
“We’re hopeful he’ll be available this week. We’re pretty confident,” Eade said.
“He missed his fourth on the weekend, so he’s been training for a couple of weeks.
“We’ve just got to decide whether we’re going to put him straight back (in the AFL) or if he has a run in the reserves (VFL).”
