The Gold Coast SUNS has named its extended squad for Round 2 against Essendon, with defender Lachie Weller named to make his AFL return.

10 months on from rupturing his ACL, the 27-year-old has been named in the back pocket to complete a thorough rehabilitation period which included a two-week consultation with world-renowned reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles.

The only omission from Round 1 is Alex Davies who will line up in the VFL on Saturday.

There could be more changes on the way, with an extended interchange of eight to be trimmed to four at 4pm AEST Friday.

Connor Blakely has been included on the interchange and is in contention to make his club debut, while Malcolm Rosas Jnr and Alex Sexton are also new faces to be added who could play their first AFL match for the year.

Round 1 substitute Brayden Fiorini is a chance to claim a spot in the 22, while Mabior Chol, Jy Farrar, Elijah Hollands and last week’s debutant Bodhi Uwland take up the remaining positions on the interchange.

The match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium gets underway at 2:20pm AEST and will be broadcast live on Channel 7 across the country as well as on Fox Footy and Kayo.