Life without Gary Ablett will be tough but the Gold Coast Suns are still breathing a sigh of relief after being told their captain will be sidelined for up to three weeks with a knee injury.
The Suns tried to play down Ablett’s condition after the Brownlow Medallist needed assistance off the field following a collision with Brisbane tagger Andrew Raines late in the Gold Coast’s 65-point AFL loss at the Gabba on Saturday night.
However, ominous talk of possible posterior or cruciate ligament damage emerged after Ablett’s manager Liam Pickering told Fox Footy TV he “could not rule out anything” before his star charge consulted a specialist on Monday.
So the Suns were counting their blessings after Ablett was diagnosed with minor knee damage and bone bruising, costing the dual premiership winner “two to three weeks” on the sidelines.
Ablett backed himself to return earlier.
“It is a relief. I wouldn’t say it is a good result, I would like to have played this week,” he said.
“But it’s obviously not serious. The doctor said two to three weeks at this stage but I am pretty confident I can get back earlier.
“I will be doing everything I possibly can to get back as soon as I possibly can.”
Ablett had his remarkable three-game run of 40-plus touches snapped when he produced 33 disposals – still a team high – in the heavy loss to arch rivals the Lions last weekend.
After producing career high stats, Ablett admitted he wasn’t looking forward to a stint as a spectator starting with Saturday’s clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
“I hate watching, but I can’t do much about it. Injuries are part of football,” Ablett said.
“I am sure the guys will come out this weekend and play the best football that they can.”
Suns coach Guy McKenna said after Ablett’s injury that it may prove a blessing in disguise for his underperforming side which are still win-less after four rounds.
“From a coaching point-of-view, it might be a wake-up call,” McKenna said on Saturday night.
“We can’t just be riding on the coat tails of Gaz.
“Maybe some of the other boys need to start rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty.
“Hopefully the players around him can grow up a bit quicker because that’s what we need.”
The news was not so good for defender Jarrod Harbrow who will require elbow surgery.
“Jarrod Harbrow will unfortunately be out for a significant period of time – two to three months,” Suns general manager Marcus Ashcroft said on Monday.
Ashcroft was more confident about the fitness of gun midfielder David Swallow (hip).
He said Swallow would be assessed throughout the week but kept his fingers crossed the youngster could run out against his brother – Kangaroos captain Andrew.
