Gold Coast’s playing list is set to receive a boost following the spilt round bye, with a number of players edging closer to full fitness.
Although sustaining a hamstring strain in Saturday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs in Cairns, half-back tyro Kade Kolodjashnij remains an outside chance to be available for what is shaping as a crucial QClash showdown against Brisbane in a fortnight.
The young Tassie defender was among the SUNS best in last weekend’s contest before subbing out in the third term.
GC SUNS High Performance Manager, Stephen Schwerdt updated goldcoastfc.com.au on Kolodjashnij’s injury.
“At this stage Kade remains an outside chance, and will need to be passed fit by our club medical staff when he returns to training following the extended break,” Schwerdt said.
“He will be monitored and assessed further next week.”
Fellow first-year teammate Jack Martin also received medical treatment on his right eye after being on the receiving end of an inadvertent elbow from All-Australian ruckman Will Minson.
Pleasingly, he was able to play out the remainder of the match.
“Jack couldn’t do much yesterday because of the eye, but that is certainly not going to stop him,” Schwerdt said.
“We will look after him but fully expect him to be passed fit next week.”
In other injury news, Gary Ablett successfully underwent shoulder surgery in Melbourne on Thursday.
Schwerdt said Ablett was in good spirits following the surgery, and would meet with club medical staff later this week.
“Gary will get a review at some stage this week, where we’ll then work out a more detailed plan on how his rehab will look in the coming weeks.”
Rookie forward Andrew Boston, Seb Tape and Trent McKenzie also remain on track with their respective rehab programs.
