Suns defender Jack Bowes will be sidelined for the next four months after requiring shoulder surgery in the pre-season.
Bowes, who emerged as a valuable asset to Stuart Dew's rearguard in 2021, was understood to be preparing for a move into midfield this season as the Suns begin to shape their squad for the year ahead.
The 24-year-old's hopes of having an immediate impact in the engine room have now been scrapped, withย AFL.com.au'sย Michael Whiting revealing Bowes could be sidelined until as late as Round 8.
It is understood Bowes suffered the injury at training when attempting to tackle young bull Matt Rowell, with the incident subsequently requiring surgery and sidelining the Cairns product.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Should Bowes miss the opening month of the upcoming season, he won't feature in the Suns' first four clashes against the Eagles, Demons, Giants and Blues.
Bowes' flagged move into midfield follows the recent departures of Hugh Greenwood and Will Brodie, with Rowell's own return from injury buoying the Suns' prospects for 2022.
Despite a difficult campaign for the Queensland club last year, Bowes was among several Suns to record a career-best campaign, averaging 21.3 possessions, 4.7 rebounds 50s and 5.1 marks per game in a new role down back.
Bowes joins fellow defender Wil Powell in needing attention away from the field, with the 22-year-old currently away from contact training after suffering a head knock late last year.
The Suns are set to welcome back ruckman Jarrod Witts from an ACL injury sustained last year, with Dew's midfield service set to be bolstered by their captain's return.
Witts is destined to share the ruck workload with new recruit Mabior Chol, while top draftee Mac Andrew could also be a presence to pinch-hit in the centre if relied on.
The Suns are set to open their 2022 season against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 20.
