Pearce Hanley just can't catch a break.

In just his second game back from shoulder surgery, the classy Irishman injured his hamstring against Richmond on Saturday.

He will almost certainly miss Gold Coast's final two games of the season.

It continues a horror run for the 29-year-old since switching from Brisbane at the end of the 2016 season.

On the eve of round one last year his younger brother passed away in Ireland and upon returning from a month off to deal with it, Hanley hurt his foot in a NEAFL game.

In this year's JLT Community Series the SUNS leader dislocated his shoulder and upon return in round three against Fremantle, suffered the same injury, requiring surgery.

"He's worked so hard to come back from his shoulder and he's done a mountain of work, so to lose him today is disappointing for him," Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew said.

"I'm shattered for him really. He's done a good job this year to get back."

Hanley returned against Melbourne last week after four months out and showed glimpses of his best against the Tigers with 23 disposals and eight marks in less than three quarters.

"That's why we've been desperate to get him in because you know he makes the opposition think," Dew said.

"He creates the play. You might get a blooper, but you'll live with the blooper to get what you get on the plus side.

"He's resilient, Pearce, a pretty strong character.

"He's had to deal with a lot in the last 24 months. I think the boys will wrap their arms around him for the next couple of weeks."

Hanley was not the only casualty in the 74-point loss with young midfielder Will Brodie also suffering a hamstring injury.

The double setback added salt into a day that was full of wounds for the young SUNS.

Dew said he was pleased for three quarters with his team's work around the contest, but the premier showed Gold Coast the value of repeat efforts and just how hard to spread between stoppages.

"No wonder they're top and probably going for another flag.

"We torched the ball and I think that was a lack of composure and perceived pressure."