The Coast is clear for Witts

SUNS co-captain Jarrod Witts is set to play Round 1 but Gold Coast is likely to be missing two of their most important defenders for the season opener against Port Adelaide.

Witts has been given the green light to play, barring injury this week, after getting over the foot injury he suffered earlier this year.

The 208cm ruckman didn’t play in either of Gold Coast’s Marsh Community Series games but the Suns are comfortable with the foundation Witts has built in training.

“Wittsy has been training really well,” Suns football manager Jon Haines said.

“He has really impressed with the way he is going so he won’t be a problem.”

Gold Coast’s backline could take a different shape given club champion Jarrod Harbrow and Pearce Hanley could be key omissions, along with Rory Thompson and Jack Hombsch who are both working their way back from injury.

Harbrow and Hanley have been on managed training loads and are unlikely to play against Port Adelaide.

“Pearce … has had an interrupted pre-season and getting some continuity now,” Haines said. “He will need a few games under his belt before he is considered for AFL selection.

“That is in his plan at the moment. We are confident he will get there.

“We want to get him to a place where he does return he can play a lot of games in succession as opposed to two or three and then not be able to get through.

“He has had a couple of past irritations that have been the major problems for him.

“Harbs is unlikely at this point but he isn’t far away.”

One of the most intriguing decisions the Suns’ match committee will need to make is on forward Izak Rankine who didn’t play in the Marsh Community Series due to a shoulder problem but is understood to be in good shape ahead of Saturday’s game at Carrara.