Gold Coast Suns skipper Noah Anderson will not participate in his side's Round 6 clash with Essendon this weekend, after undergoing surgery to have his appendix removed.
It's a huge blow for the Suns, who face what has quickly become a 'banana peel' game against a Bombers side bereft of confidence and method a fortnight ago.
Turning in an inspired second half against the red-hot Bulldogs, before trouncing the Demons at Gather Round has quickly eased media scrutiny, improved public perception, and seemingly, reinstated hope in a long-suffering fan base.
Suns head physiotherapist Andrew Weller gave an update on Anderson's availability on Tuesday morning.
“Noah is now recovering following a successful operation on Monday to remove his appendix. He won't be available for selection this weekend, and we will continue to monitor his progress over the coming weeks,” Weller said.
Anderson is joined on the sidelines by Jy Farrar, who required surgery on an ankle injury sustained in the VFL on the weekend.
"We will now work through a rehabilitation plan and return to play timeline with Jy, but expect him to be sidelined for an extended period,” Weller added.
In better news, boom recruit Christian Petracca looms as a magnet back at Damien Hardwick's disposal, after overcoming a hamstring complaint sustained a few weeks ago, in his side's thumping of Richmond.
Petracca was on a tear to start life as a Sun, and will be looking to recapture the form that saw him awarded maximum votes in the Zero Hanger MVP in his first two completed matches in Hardwick's system.
Joining Petracca in throwing his name in the mix for selection is utility Jake Rogers, who is progressing well through the AFL's concussion protocols.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan looms as a test, too, while academy graduates Beau Addinsall and Jai Murray are also tipped to feature in selection discussions.
