Gold Coast SUNS captain Gary Ablett will miss the remainder of the 2014 season after electing to undergo reconstructive surgery to repair his left shoulder.

Ablett dislocated the shoulder during the third quarter of Saturday’s victory over Collingwood at Metricon Stadium.

Following in-depth consultations with specialists, Ablett and GC SUNS medical staff determined that reconstructive surgery was the most appropriate way to repair the injury.

Ablett admitted it was a difficult decision to make.

“We have been extremely thorough in our review of the injury, and after careful consideration, reconstructive surgery was a tough decision to make, but the correct one.

“This is the most significant injury of my playing career, and we have made the decision in the interest of my long-term playing career.

“It has been a very difficult decision, in particular as there is a temptation to compromise my shoulder’s long-term movement, in a bid to get back and assist the team to make our first finals appearance.”

General Manager Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, said the club supported Ablett’s decision.

“Gary has been presented with an extremely difficult decision; as a club we always have the long-term future of our players at the forefront of our minds when it comes to matters like these.

“Gary knows his body better than anyone else, and we know that by having the surgery he will make a full recovery and be back better than ever ready for the 2015 season.”