Ben King's Opening Round availability is in question after the knee injury which cut his 2023 campaign short at Round 21 remains in the mind of the Suns.
The 23-year-old Sun has been sidelined for much of his young career so far, including the entirety of 2022 after rupturing his ACL.
Gold Coast are monitoring their key forward with caution. While his training load has increased in recent weeks to where he will likely be fit for a practice match selection against GWS, the club will avoid risk where necessary.
"He'll be touch and go," Suns assistant coach Brad Miller said of King's Opening Round prospects when speaking to media on Monday. "We'll give him every chance.
"We've got to see how he goes in that practice match. If he can hold up there and play his minutes, he'll be every chance to play."
Without Mabior Chol as cover, Gold Coast will be heavily limited in their key forward stocks if King is not fit to play.
31-year-old Sam Day is in the box seat to step up again after filling King's absence in Gold Coast's final three matches last year.
"Sammy Day's had a really good pre-season as well, he's come back a little bit leaner... we're hoping he can fill that role," Miller added.
"We've got options."
Jack Lukosius may also be expected to step up in his role during King's potential absence.
He has trained exclusively as a forward during pre-season and, despite his light frame, may be called on to become the number one option inside 50.
Gold Coast will play two practice matches against Brisbane and GWS later this month before their Opening Round clash with Richmond on Saturday, March 9.
