Gold Coast will make a call later this week as to whether big man Tom Nicholls will play in Sunday’s clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
The ruckman was a late withdrawal from the side’s 40-point win over Greater Western Sydney after experiencing calf soreness at last week’s final training session.
He will need to be passed fit by club medical staff, but high performance manager Stephen Schwerdt told goldcoastfc.com.au Nicholls would be given every opportunity to play this weekend.
“Tommy did hurt his calf late last week which was disappointing, but fingers crossed he will do some training later this week and put his hand up for selection,” Schwerdt said.
“He has a few things he has to cross off before he reaches that stage though.”
Meanwhile, Harley Bennell and Charlie Dixon remain strong chances to make their return to AFL football this Sunday after impressing in their return from injury.
When fit and in form, the Gold Coast players are regular starters in the senior team, and would only boost the SUNS round seven chances against the Kangaroos as the club searches for its first victory at Docklands.
“Yeah, it was pretty good all round for those two after they had been out for extended periods,” he said.
“It was good to get them both through a full game, and we anticipate they will both be available for senior selection this week.”
Alex Sexton has been cleared of any serious damage to his knee after going down mid-way through the Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL curtain-raiser against the UWS Giants on Saturday.
He will be closely monitored by the club’s high performance unit, and if given the green light, will be available to play this weekend.
“We were thinking the worst when it happened but since he recovered and had scans done no serious damage was revealed,” Schwerdt said.
“We are hopeful he will be available this week.”
Clay Cameron is nearing the backend of his rehab from an injured AC joint, and is expected to be back to full training when the senior squad return from the round eight bye break.
“It has been good for Clay, he has been out for a couple of weeks now since he hurt his shoulder.
“The plan this week is to get him back training with the main group given we have the bye next week, so he’ll complete a pretty solid week of training and hopefully return to footy in round nine.”
