Gold Coast SUNS big man Charlie Dixon has been given the green light for this weekend’s match against Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium after passing a series of fitness tests at the senior squad’s main training session yesterday.

Despite reports emerging in the lead-up to the much-anticipated clash against the Power that the hard-hitting forward-turned-ruckman was doubtful after sustaining a minor strain in his Achilles, Dixon is fit and ready to fire after the side fell short against the Brisbane Lions in their thrilling 2-point loss in the bi-annual QClash battle last week.

Captain Gary Ablett has overcome his injury cloud (bruised right hand) and trained fully at Metricon Stadium on Wednesday. Ablett is expected to receive plenty of attention from Power’s tagger Kane Cornes after Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley revealed the Power’s reigning Best and Fairest winner would likely get the tough task of stopping the code’s best player.

Tom Murphy and Dion Prestia will regain their spots back in the side after proving their fitness at training, with the reliable competitiors being significant absentees in the fiercely-competitive QClash battle, while Jackson Allen and Luke Russell have been omitted for the match against the Power.

Meanwhile, Trent McKenzie’s return to senior football has taken another step forward. McKenzie has been named as an emergency for the match after gaining valuable match fitness through the NEAFL in recent weeks.

ROUND 3 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: J. Wilkinson, M. Warnock, J. Hutchins
HB: T. Murphy, R. Thompson, G. Broughton
C: M. Rischitelli, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: D. Prestia, S. May, A. Hall
F: J. Brennan, S. Day, B. Matera
R: C. Dixon, K. Hunt, D. Swallow

INT: Z. Smith, J. O’Meara, H. Bennell, M. Shaw

EMERGENCIES: L. Russell, T. McKenzie, D. Stanley

In: D. Prestia, T. Murphy
Out: Russell (Omit), Allen (Omit)

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