The Suns have been forced to make a second late change to their squad in less than 24 hours ahead of Sunday's game with Essendon as illness has hit the Queensland club once again.
Gold Coast have confirmed youngster Lloyd Johnston will miss the game due to illness, with midfielder Brayden Fiorini coming into Damien Hardwick's side due to the forced change.
The swap comes after the Suns lost co-captain Jarrod Witts to a hamstring injury on Friday, with Hardwick needing to shake up his squad ahead of the weekend to accommodate for the inclusion of backup ruckman Ned Moyle.
The Suns finalised their side on Friday afternoon by naming Moyle, Sam Flanders and Will Graham as inclusions for this weekend's bout with the Bombers, with Flanders returning from illness that forced him to miss last week's game against Carlton.
Weโve made a change the side that will face the Bombers at @PeopleFirstSt tomorrow. Brayden Fiorini replaces Lloyd Johnston (illness).
— Gold Coast Suns (@GoldCoastSUNS) May 31, 2024
Johnston's Round 12 prospects have also been dashed due to a bug, with Fiorini coming into the team for his 10th game of 2024.
Johnston joins Witts and omitted pair Jake Rogers and Alex Davies in making way for the quarter of inclusions.
The Suns host Essendon at People First Stadium on Sunday at 4:00pm (AEST) as they look to break into the top eight.
