The Gold Coast SUNS will have all but four players available for selection in Saturday’s round one clash against Melbourne at the MCG.
Rodney Eade confirmed the news on Tuesday morning that has dominated speculation during the last few months – Gary Ablett will return against the Demons this weekend.
But despite outstanding training form, Jaeger O’Meara is more likely to return from post-season knee surgery in the NEAFL this weekend, rather than coming straight back into senior side without a hitout under his belt.
“Jaeger, like Gary, has really done some terrific work over the last month in his block of training. He’s had a really detailed and focused rehabilitation program and part of his progression is due to the fact that he’s such a professional,” GC SUNS rehabilitation coach Matthew Kennedy told the Optomo Injury Report.
“Not sure about the weekend’s game but he will play in some form over the weekend which is terrific news for the footy club, the players and in particular Jaeger himself.”
Utility Danny Stanley’s untimely quad injury will keep him sidelined for at least another week, ruling him out of Saturday’s game.
“Danny Stanley nicked his quad a few weeks ago, he’s just started doing some kicking, he’s still got a little bit of awareness in that quad when he punches the ball really hard,” Kennedy said.
“He just needs to tick that off and we would think he would be back in a week or two.”
Two former top-ten draftees, Sam Day and Peter Wright put injury concerns behind them in the SUNS NEAFL practice match against Brisbane a fortnight ago.
Day is in the mix to return to the senior side, whilst Wright will continue to build up his conditioning in the reserves after a frustrating couple of months in Carrara.
Optomo Injury Report: Round One
Gary Ablett confirmed to return against the Demons, Jaeger O'Meara set to play at some level this weekend.
