Gary Ablett has been ruled out for Saturday’s match against Sydney due to a hamstring injury.

Ablett did all he could to overcome a lingering hamstring complaint, but was unable to prove his fitness in time for the round 16 fixture at the SCG.

Rodney Eade has recalled young guns Jack Bowes and Darcy Macpherson into his top 22, while Trent McKenzie is a confirmed starter for Saturday’s clash against Sydney at the SCG.

Saturday marks a welcome return for Bowes; the North Queenslander played the opening six rounds after winning a round one debut guernsey, including notching his first 20-disposal career performance against North Melbourne in round six.

Bowes finished with 21 touches and a goal to his name on the day, and also featured against Port Adelaide in Shanghai after being rested a week prior in the side’s win over Geelong.

Illness struck following the bye round, while a hamstring complaint further delayed his return to the senior team, but after a series of strong performances via the NEAFL, Bowes now makes his comeback against the Swans this weekend.

As confirmed by goldcoastfc.com.au on Wednesday, McKenzie will reach his career ton after being stuck on 99 games for over a year.

The inaugural fan favourite was the first SUN to reach 50 games, and played 93 in the club's first five years before a forgettable run of setbacks.

McKenzie will be itching to run out under the banner on Saturday afternoon, and will have his sights firmly set on the remaining eight regular season games in a bid to build a base and reinvigorate his promising footy career.

Wingman Pearce Hanley misses as he nurses himself back to full health after aggravating a hamstring problem, while ‘Rocket’ has opted for less height down back with Jack Leslie’s omission.

He has been named as emergency cover alongside midfielder Mitch Hallahan and Mackenzie Willis.

Round 16 AFL Premiership Team

B: J. Harbrow, R. Thompson, A. Sexton
HB:  T. McKenzie, S. May, A. Saad
C: B. Fiorini, J. Lyons, M. Rosa
HF: S. Lemmens, T. Lynch, C. Ah Chee
F: B. Ainsworth, P. Wright, J. Martin
FOLL: J. Witts, T. Miller, D. Swallow
INT: J. Lonergan, J. Bowes, R. Davis, D. Macpherson

EMG: M. Hallahan, J. Leslie, M. Willis

IN: T. McKenzie, D. Macpherson, J. Bowes
OUT: G. Ablett (hamstring), P. Hanley (hamstring), J. Leslie (omitted).