The Gold Coast SUNS chances against Essendon on Saturday night have received a significant boost with the news that Bomber’s veteran Dustin Fletcher has been ruled out of the clash with groin soreness.

“Dustin is just a little bit tight in his groins but should be right for the week after the bye,” James Hird told essendonfc.com.au.

The veteran campaigners omission is a massive blow for the 4th placed Bombers, with the 38-year-old widely considered the heart and soul of the football club.

Fletcher started his AFL career in 1993 winning a Premiership as part of Kevin Sheedy’s “Baby Bombers” whilst still at school.

Ironically Seventeen of the current Gold Coast SUNS senior squad had just celebrated their first birthday.      

Defender Tayte Pears and small-forward Jackson Merrett will be rushed back into the Essendon side following stand-out performances in the VFL, with Pears likely to be assigned to re-called Gold Coaster Daniel Gorringe – with the ruck-forward to start in front of the goals alongside Campbell Brown and Timmy Sumner.

Tom Bellchambers has also left the high-flying Bombers undermanned, with the 202cm skilful giant failing to earn a recall to the senior team.