Gold Coast Suns halfback Lachie Weller remains a fortnight away from an AFL return

Dynamic halfback Lachie Weller has had his AFL return delayed but the Suns feel they are finally on top of his injury. His return could align with the stunning comeback of another who is ready to bounce back after an ACL injury.

DYNAMIC halfback Lachie Weller remains a fortnight away from making his return to the AFL for Gold Coast after hitting some hurdles in his recovery from a knee injury.

Suns coach Stuart Dew previously said Weller was a chance to play against the Western Bulldogs in Round 11 at the end of May after initially suffering the injury in the club’s Round 7 win over Richmond on April 30.

But the 27-year-old backline weapon isn’t expected to be seen again at the top level until Gold Coast’s Round 16 clash with Collingwood at home.

“Lachie will be another two weeks,” Suns football manager Wayne Campbell said.

Lachie Weller is edging closer to a return for the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“His knee took a little longer to settle than we first thought. He has been running a little but he has been getting some swelling around the area. We have been able to get on top of it now.”

Campbell confirmed Weller has had to have fluid drained from the knee on multiple occasions.

Gold Coast have still managed to win three of its past five games in Weller’s absence to resurrect its season, with the club sitting in 11th at 6-6 and on equal points with eighth placed Western Bulldogs.

But given Gold Coast are bidding for its inaugural finals coach Stuart Dew will be eager to see the return of one of his most influential players.

The Suns defence could soon be further bolstered around the same time with Sean Lemmens expected to be back from a hamstring injury in Round 16 while Connor Budarick is a chance to do the same.

Connor Budarick is closer to returning from an ACL injury. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Budarick has been out of action since early last year after rupturing his ACL.

“Connor has been in our main football program for a fair while now so he just has to tick off a final couple of things to do with his strength,” Campbell said.

Meanwhile Suns co-captain Touk Miller is still expected to make his return from a knee injury with around four rounds left.