GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Jarrod Witts of the Suns and Ivan Soldo of Richmond challenge for the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Richmond Tigers at Metricon Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Gold Coast captain Jarrod Witts faces an injury-interrupted pre-season after requiring surgery on his foot.

Witts suffered the injury to his left foot during the Suns' Christmas break but is expected to play round one, while the Marsh Community series remains in some doubt.

Witts claimed the Suns' best and fairest in 2019 and has capped 62 games for the Gold Coast since moving from Collingwood in 2016.

The Suns were able to add to their ruckman stocks in the off-season, with Zac Smith returning to the coast during the trade period following the retirement of Tom Nicholls and the delisting of Brayden Crossley.

“It was a really innocuous and unfortunate incident for Jarrod. He has led from the front throughout the preseason so far, setting a great standard for the group around him and we have no doubt this incident won’t restrict the significant influence he has on the playing group.” Suns general manager football operations Jon Haines told the club website.

“We know that he will attack his rehabilitation with the utmost professionalism, and we look forward to having him back in the lead up to Round 1.”