Gold Coast will be forced into at least one change for this Sunday’s game against Fremantle at Metricon Stadium. 

With Ben Ainsworth set to miss the next 4-6 weeks of football, the SUNS’ selection committee will be keen to replace him with another pressure forward that can run through the middle. 

Senior Coach Stuart Dew has already earmarked Nick Holman as a possible replacement, having played a full game for the reserves last week.

Co-captain David Swallow has been listed as a test for Sunday’s game and will be given until later in the week to prove his fitness.

If Swallow is unable to play, that could see Will Brodie’s name thrown into the mix for the midfield unit.

Recruit Corey Ellis has overcome an off-season groin injury and provides another alternative.

Having shown signs of concussion after the game, key defender Sam Collins needs to pass the club’s strict return-to-play concussion protocol.

A like-for-like replacement for Collins would be Jack Leslie, who made a successful return from injury in the reserves’ practice match but he may need more game time under his belt before coming under consideration.

Draftee Ben King is another potential candidate for a key defensive post, having played both JLT series games during the pre-season.

Should the selection committee opt for more experience, then swingman Sam Day could find himself lining up against the Dockers.

Who do you think is in the mix for the SUNS’ first home game of the season this Sunday?