Several of the Gold Coast SUNS senior players have earned a break over the next couple of weeks, after returning to training early to complete the clubs high altitude training camp in Arizona.

GC SUNS General Manager – Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, told goldcoastfc.com.au, the majority of the GC SUNS young squad completed their leave entitlements at the end of the 2011 season and during the Christmas break, however several of the senior players are entitled to leave.

“It was wonderful that the senior boys returned early from their end of season break for our high altitude camp in Arizona. Not only did they reap the benefits from the trip, but the leadership and support they provided for the remainder of the group was a bonus.”

Ashcroft said the football department individually scheduled the players break in conjunction with the players.

“We wanted to make sure all of our players use their annual leave entitlements so we planned for the boys to take time in mid to late January.

“It’s a perfect time for the senior guys to use their entitled time off, the boys are fit and when they return we will move into preparations for the NAB Cup.”

GC SUNS captain, Gary Ablett is currently on leave, and despite being on his break, returned to train with the team last Wednesday.

When Ablett returns on Monday, fellow senior players Jared Brennan, Nathan Bock, Campbell Brown, Josh Fraser, Jarrod Harbrow and Michael Rischitelli will take leave over the next couple of weeks.

AFL players annual leave entitlements vary on how many years players have been played senior football.