A successful summer on the training track has seen the majority of the SUNS playing list remain fit and healthy, and given others time to continue their rehabilitation.
Despite eight being unavailable for the first JLT Community Series game, at least six of these are on track to pull on the red and gold during the pre-season competition.
Marcus Ashcroft, GM Football Operations, said the four players who will miss one week of the JLT Community Series had sustained only minor injures.
“There are some minor issues we have been dealt for this weekend’s game,” Ashcroft told Optomo Injury Report.
“Trent McKenzie suffered a baker’s cyst injury on the weekend in our intra-club game and will be unavailable.
“Alex Sexton had a minor injury to his wrist, again will miss this weekend.
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“Peter Wright broke his index finger a couple of weeks ago, luckily will only miss this weekend’s game against Brisbane and will be available for our round two game against Essendon up in Mackay.
“The fourth player is Jarryd Lyons who also has some tightness in his achilles, will only miss one week which is really fortunate for him and our team as we go forward.”
For the third and final game of the pre-season competition Ashcroft said he was confident another two familiar faces would be available to line-up for the SUNS against reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium.
“I think Gary’s [Ablett] had a fantastic summer again and is itching to get back out there and play,” he said.
“Fans won’t have to wait long to see him play a game, only three weeks before he’s back and available in a SUNS jersey.
“And the other player in that category is also Tom Nicholls, Tom had an injury interrupted pre-season campaign but over the last three to four weeks he’s really had some strong training.”
For the start of the 2017 AFL Toyota Premiership season two further SUNS will be able to put their hand up for selection.
Jarrod Harbrow underwent ankle reconstruction surgery at the end of 2016 and Ashcroft said he will be fit and ready for the first QClash of the year in round one at Metricon Stadium.
Conditioning has been a focus across the summer for top 10 draft pick Jack Scrimshaw, another Ashcroft is confident will be available come round one.
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“Because he’s a first year player we want to make sure we’re really conservative with his rehabilitation and his pre-season,” he said.
“He’s making good progress and again will be available with Jarrod Harbrow for our round one game.”
Finally, SUNS fans will be delighted to learn revered leader Michael Rischitelli continues to progress strongly in his ACL rehabilitation.
“He’s making good progress but we want to make sure Rischa, who served us well last year on the field as one of our leaders, is ready to go when he comes back,” said Ashcroft.
“That will be to be confirmed as the season unfolds.
“[We’re] really optimistic about how we will go once the season comes around.”
