The Gold Coast Suns could be without top draftee Alana Gee for the entirety of the AFLW season due to an ongoing back issue, per reports from womens.afl.
The 18-year-old was selected by the Suns with pick 19 in last month's AFLW Draft as their first pick, but may not have the opportunity to debut in Gold Coast colours this year.
Gee has been dealing with a stress reaction in her back that has limited her output, with the club confirming that the young prospect has been on a modified program throughout the Suns' pre-season.
Despite the ongoing issue, Gold Coast made no mention of a potential recovery time for the young Sun.
“Alana is working through a stress reaction in her lumbar spine which has seen her placed on a modified training program,” Gold Coast's AFLW physiotherapist Indianna Franke said to club media.
“We’ll monitor her progression closely before making a decision on her availability.”
The Suns also provided updates on two fellow players, Jade Pregelj and Krystal Scott ahead of next month's season kick off.
Pregelj is still recovering from an ACL injury suffered earlier in the year and will remain on the inactive list going forward, while new Sun Scott is expected to be right for the season opener despite undergoing ankle surgery during the off-season.
“Krystal is working well through her recovery and is expected to be available for selection in Round 1,” Franke said.
The Suns will get their season underway on Saturday, August 27 against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena after a last placed finish last season.
Alongside Gee, the Suns also drafted Claire Ransom and Jasmyn Smith to the club last month.