The Gold Coast Suns could have two familiar faces rejoin the side set to take on Collingwood on Sunday night, with both Jack Lukosius and Connor Budarick looking at a return from injury.
Lukosius has been sidelined since Round 8 after injuring his posterior cruciate ligament against the Swans, with the promising young gun now inching closer to an AFL return after training strongly.
Gold Coast senior coach Stuart Dew spoke to media on Wednesday, confirming that the 21-year-old was in the selection mix, but that his return to footy may be through the VFL.
"Jack's done a lot of work, so the decision will be made after training tonight," Dew said.
While Lukosius' weekend plans are yet to be decided, Budarick is almost certain to run out on Saturday night to take on Collingwood who was sidelined during Round 15 with a hamstring strain.
โConnor suffered a hamstring injury last fortnight but has been showing strong signs of improvement," GC SUNS Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said earlier in the week.
โWe will increase his load and monitor how he goes in the main training session before determining his availability for this weekend.โ
Dew said on Wednesday that it would be "fantastic" to regain Budarick down back for the match against the Pies, who haven't lost a game since Round 9.
"This Collingwood team has won five in a row and beaten all the best teams in the comp," Dew said.
"That puts them up there with the competition standard and we expect them to bring that Saturday night."
The Suns, who were on a three match winning streak before a narrow two-point loss to Port Adelaide in Round 15, are looking to compete for a spot inside the top eight as we approach the business end of the season.
Gold Coast are yet to feature in a finals campaign since joining the AFL competition.
