Gold Coast co-captain Touk Miller won't feature in the Suns' upcoming pre-season matches against Essendon and GWS after suffering a hamstring injury at training.
The hard-nosed midfielder sustained the injury during Gold Coast's intraclub session last Friday, with the two-time Club Champion unable to finish the match simulation.
The Suns are scheduled to face Essendon at Carrara this Thursday afternoon in what will be the first pre-season hitout for Stuart Dew's side for the year.
Gold Coast will then travel to Blacktown for their second and last practice match against the Giants, scheduled for Saturday, March 4.
The Suns have confirmed Miller will miss both matches after suffering a "mild hamstring injury", however, the Melbourne-born ball magnet is expected to play in Round 1 of the home and away season.
"Touk felt some discomfort in his hamstring on Friday and on assessment, has a mild hamstring injury,” Suns physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said in a club statement.
"Touk will reintegrate into full training over the next couple of weeks leading into the start of the season."
Miller averaged 28.45 disposals, 6.05 tackles and 7.91 clearances in 2022 to earn the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, a second best and fairest and second All-Australian selection.
The Suns will be without Brandon Ellis (calf), Wil Powell (hamstring) and Lachie Weller (knee) for the coming weeks, while Connor Budarick (knee) remains sidelined until the middle of the season.
The Suns are scheduled to face Sydney at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, March 18 to commence their 2023 campaign.
