A collision with the fence at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon was the culprit behind the forced substitution of spearhead Charlie Dixon against Carlton.
 
The key forward was dominant in the opening half, combining effectively with Tom Lynch to provide the Gold Coast SUNS with potent attacking options.
 
But after trying to play through the ailment after the main break, Dixon couldn’t continue and was substituted out of the encounter late in the third quarter.
 
Despite being unable to complete the game, scans on Monday were favourable for Dixon, with the SUNS medical staff hopeful that this year’s leading goal kicker will be available to face North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on the weekend.
 
“Charlie hurt his left ankle in the second quarter when his foot got caught underneath one of the advertising signs at Etihad Stadium,” GC SUNS head physiotherapist Adam Russell told SUNS TV on Tuesday afternoon.
 
“So he’s ended up having some blood trauma at the front of his ankle that got progressively worse and after half-time he really struggled to run.
 
“Subsequent examination this week has shown that it’s actually not too bad, so we’re hopeful he’ll have a run around on Thursday and be available to play on Saturday.”
 
Dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett has been cleared to return to football after progressing through the last phase of his contact loads.
 
“The good news is the skipper’s been cleared to play. So he’s finalised all his contact progressions and all going well on Thursday, he’ll be ready to run out on Saturday against North,” Russell said.
 
After being held back by a week, last year’s best and fairest recipient, David Swallow, will return at some level this week after overcoming a posterior ligament injury that he suffered against Greater Western Sydney on Anzac Day.
 
The star midfielder has missed ten weeks with the knee injury and may be brought back through the reserves given the length of time he has spent on the sidelines.
 
“We’ve gradually increased his loads over the last six weeks. He’ll be available at some level this week, whether that’s NEAFL or seniors that will be determined by the match committee,” Russell said.