Exciting SUNS forward Liam Patrick will take no further part in the Gold Coast SUNS pre-season campaign after scans revealed the fan favourite has sustained a high-grade hamstring strain.

The super talented 24-year-old is certain to miss the up-coming NAB Cup tournament, and will be restricted to modified cross training for the next two weeks before commencing a graduated running program.

A Metricon Stadium favourite, Flash as he is affectionately known suffered the hamstring strain after going down in a marking contest during a match simulation drill at Metricon Stadium last week.

GC SUNS High Performance Manager Stephen Schwerdt spoke exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, and said Patrick would be taking every pre-caution necessary to avoid any setbacks during his rehabilitation process.

“Liam has decided that he will not attend the Indigenous All Stars camp next week as he would prefer to remain on the Gold Coast to maximise his rehabilitation.

“He will be placed on a modified training program and monitored closely by the High Performance Team.”

Although being forced to the sidelines indefinitely is not Patrick’s preferred option, Flash is optimistic of returning in round 3 for the GC SUNS QClash against the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium.

“It’s certainly disappointing [hamstring injury] but I’m looking forward to bouncing back bigger and better than ever.”

“The advantage that I have is that it is not a season-ending injury, and I will just work hard to get back out playing as soon as I can and give myself every chance to  play in the AFL this season.”

Patrick was recently rewarded with another one-year contract extension at the end of the 2012 season, after an extended run in the seniors saw him play eight successive games late in the season before a knee injury cost him the final three weeks.

By contrast, GC SUNS forward Trent McKenzie has advanced in fine fashion from his knee injury and has resumed running dills, and is expecting to return to the main training group before the start of the NAB Cup.