With emerging midfielder Jesse Lonergan ruled out of Friday’s NAB3 clash against Adelaide with an ankle injury, the Gold Coast SUNS will be missing a large chunk of its first-choice midfield brigade.

But despite going into the final pre-season game with an inexperienced engine room, coach Rodney Eade sees positives with Lonergan and captain Gary Ablett both available for round one. Ball magnet Dion Prestia is also still a strong chance to play in the SUNS’ season opener on March 26.

“Jesse could play next week if we decide to when we’ve got another practice match, but we probably won’t,” Eade told reporters at Metricon Stadium on Thursday morning.

“But he’s fine, he’s started to run.

“Gary’s running, he’s fine.

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“Dion’s running, so Dion’s a reasonable chance for round one. So from that aspect it looks positive.”

Jarrod Garlett left the field in the SUNS’ NAB2 game against West Coast last Thursday nursing a sore shoulder, but has made a full recovery and will likely line up in Gold Coast’s NEAFL practice match against Southport on Saturday.

“It’s not too bad,” Eade said.

“He trained yesterday so he’s certainly available but he won’t be playing in the ones, he’ll be playing in the seconds in the NEAFL team if he plays on Saturday.”