Gold Coast's running half back Pearce Hanley has been sidelined this week with a shin injury as the Suns take a trip to Perth to take on the reigning premiers, the Eagles, according to AFL.com.au.
Hanley was withdrawn from the game against Adelaide in round five but managed to play in last weekend's QClash against the Lions.
Suns coach Stewart Dew likened the injury to kicking a car tow-ball.
"It bruised up heavily and was quite significant," Dew said.
"He did really well to get up (last week) but it cost him this week.
"It's a bit dicey to take him all the way to Perth and sit him out. It's best to let him get better and recover."
Gold Coast fly to Perth on Thursday afternoon and will take up 24 players, including wingman Wil Powell.
Powell suffered a horrible concussion against Carlton in round four but appears to be right to resume after training strongly during the week.
Ex-Power and Richmond players Aaron Young and Anthony Miles could also be chosen to play this week.
Number three draft pick Izak Rankine will travel with the team purely for experience as the 25th player.
Rankine has slowly overcome a hamstring injury he suffered in the JLT Community Series and will play his first NEAFL match next weekend.
"He'll be around the group, get a good experience, see what a Perth trip is like and then the plan will be to get back in, play as well as he can and put his name up," Dew said.
"We're looking forward to seeing him play footy."
