Suns blow as Ablett ruled out of match

GOLD Coast’s hopes of toppling the in-form Sydney Swans has taken a hit with Gary Ablett ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Ablett played his 300th AFL game last weekend but will miss the Round 16 game at the SCG tomorrow in a huge blow to the Suns’ bid to make finals.

Midfielder Pearce Hanley (hamstring) will also be absent while Jack Leslie has been dropped with Trent McKenzie, Darcy Macpherson and Jack Bowes brought into the side.

Suns coach Rodney Eade has left the door open to recalling Leslie before the game, naming him as an emergency and revealing one of those named to play was carrying an injury.

It gives Eade the ability to bring in another tall defender if needed to combat the likes of Sydney forwards Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and Gary Rohan.

“We may name an injured player with the view that we will see how their side lines up,” Eade said. “It’s just about the match-up.”

Eade said McKenzie, who will play his 100th game tomorrow, had earned his recall after putting in five solid games for the club’s NEAFL side since his return from injury.

“People probably thought after a couple of games he would be straight back in but he has had to work hard for his spot,” Eade said.

“His last two weeks have been very good. Although the NEAFL team won very easily last week he played on an AFL player in Ben Warren.

“We told him he needed to play the way we need him to play so it’s not measured on stats. He has earned his recall.”

Eade said the fact the game was at the SCG would help McKenzie fitness-wise as well as his game.

“He is such a good kick and I think you need to kick it well, especially on a small ground and with Pearce not playing, that’s another player out who can use the ball well,” he said.