Gold Coast Suns set for stint without skipper Jarrod Witts after vertebrae fracture
Understudy Ned Moyle will once again take the reins at the Suns after co-captain Jarrod Witts fractured a vertebrae on the weekend. CALLUM DICK has the details.
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Damien Hardwick says Gold Coast could be without Jarrod Witts for a “couple of weeks” after the Suns’ co-captain was confirmed to have fractured a vertebrae in the win over Collingwood.
Witts looked in significant discomfort after receiving a knee to the back in a marking contest from Magpies defender Darcy Moore in the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s match and briefly came from the field before returning to see out the game.
But scans on Monday revealed the extent of Witts’ injury and he has been ruled out for this Saturday’s trip to Melbourne to face the Kangaroos, with no certain timeline over his return.
“It’s incredibly brave (of Witts). He went off, had some help from the doctors to get back on the field, wanted to get back on and we’re going to miss him in the short term,” Hardwick said.
“What that looks like for the next couple of weeks we’ll make our way through it, but that gives a great opportunity for Ned Moyle once again who had a terrific game down in Frankston (in the VFL).
“While it’s a significant loss losing your captain it’s also great to give an opportunity to a young emerging player that we think is willing and able to take that role.
“It’s just incredible courage by the great man and that’s why he’s our captain. He’ll get his couple of weeks, week off, whatever it may be.”
This latest setback continues a frustrating run of injuries for Witts, who has already been sidelined this season with minor groin and hamstring concerns.
He was among the Suns’ best players in the crucial win over Collingwood.
His understudy Moyle, who last month signed a four-year contract extension with the club, will come in for his fifth game of the year.
The 22 year old was a standout in the VFL at the weekend, amassing 21 disposals, two goals and a ridiculous 71 hit-outs.
He will once again fill the giant boots of Witts, for an enticing battle with rising North Melbourne ruck Tristan Xerri.
“Young Xerri from North Melbourne is going well, he’s one of the premiere ruckmen of the AFL and probably a little underrated,” Hardwick declared.
“What we do know is our midfield is capable of stepping up to help Ned as well. It will be a team effort no doubt.”
After a down few weeks from the Suns’ midfield brigade, they returned to form against the Magpies.
The challenge now is to take that form on the road, given they are yet to win a game this season away from the Gold Coast or Darwin.
The Suns were comfortable 68-point victors when the two sides met in round 9, but Hardwick says that game tape can be thrown out.
“North has really improved over the last 4-5 weeks – their contested ball and clearance numbers and their pressure as a result of that as well, so the North Melbourne team we played in round 9, this is a different side completely,” he said.
“I think they’re AFL No. 2 the last four or five weeks for contested ball whereas previously they weren’t quite as established. They’re a different side now.”
Livewire small forward Malcolm Rosas Jr is available for selection this week after overcoming a calf setback but will return through the VFL first to get match fitness.
Rebounding defender Lachie Weller is on track to return for the round 19 game against GWS.
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