The Gold Coast SUNS will enter Round 1 of the 2022 NAB AFL Women’s season with a near full-strength squad to select from.

Of the 30 active players, only midfielder Jacqui Yorston has been ruled out for Round 1 as she continues to recover from an ACL injury which saw her miss the entirety of the 2020 season.

AFLW Physiotherapist Indianna Franke said Yorston was tracking well and was expected to be available for selection in the coming weeks.

“Jacqui has been making great progress since her knee injury in the 2020 pre-season,” Franke told the Qscan Injury Update.

“She has returned to full contact and will integrate into full gameplay next week to build her match fitness before hopefully becoming available for selection in the next few weeks.”

Two players will be a test for the match against GWS at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, with reigning Club Champion Lauren Ahrens and Ellie Hampson striving to prove their fitness for Round 1.

“Both Lauren and Ellie are returning from foot injuries and are close to being medically cleared to play,” Franke said.

“We will monitor how they go in training this week before making a call on their availability for Round 1.”