Midfielder Dion Prestia and tall defender Rory Thompson will be given every chance to prove their fitness for Sunday’s practise match against Collingwood, with Guy McKenna expected to field his strongest possible side.
A final decision on Prestia and Thompson’s availability will be made by the club’s medical staff later this week according to McKenna.
“The number of players we’re going to use will probably be our Round 1 side but there are some question marks on Rory and Dion but I think they have some credits in the bank,” McKenna told The Gold Coast Bulletin.
“We just have to weight up their availability and game time. I think everyone else understands this is an opportunity to enhance for their chances to be selected for Round 1.”
Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett, Rising Star winner Jaeger O’Meara, David Swallow and Michael Rischitelli will return after being rested against the Lions last week.
The GC SUNS erred on the side of caution with defender Trent McKenzie last week. McKenzie pulled up with a tight calf following training and is expected to be cleared to play on Sunday.
GC SUNS Injured Player Status
Nathan Bock (leg) - TBC
Jack Hutchins (back) - TBC
Trent McKenzie (calf) - test
Leigh Osborne (ankle) - TBC
Dion Prestia (calf) - test
Zac Smith (knee) - indefinite
Seb Tape (hamstring) - test
Rory Thompson (hip) - test
