Track Watch: All the latest news and scouting notes from Gold Coast’s pre-season

A rising star at the Gold Coast is racing the clock to not only make their pre-season clashes with Brisbane and Collingwood, but also the Suns’ Opening Round clash with Essendon.

Sam Flanders’ pre-season has taken a hit. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Gold Coast star Sam Flanders is dealing with a back injury which has halted his pre-season after a flying start to training.

Flanders, 23, was the pre-Christmas pre-season darling after dominating the 2km time trial and imposing himself on the track.

But the breakout midfielder has battled a back issue since Christmas that has limited his training minutes and could impact his availability for the February 20 hitout against Brisbane and Collingwood – and potentially the Suns’ Opening Round clash against Essendon.

While his teammates completed match sim on Monday, Flanders was consigned to the bike and did not take part in any training drills.

Flanders could be in doubt for Opening Round. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Off-season recruit Daniel Rioli (knee) and second-year midfielder Will Graham (hamstring) also sat out the match sim but rejoined for the non-contact portion of training.

Rioli’s MCL rehab is progressing and the club is confident he will be ready to play Opening Round against the Bombers on March 8.

Graham suffered two hamstring setbacks through pre-season but is expected to take on a full training workload either later this week or next.

The Suns could swing a surprise move inside 50 with second-string ruck Ned Moyle deployed as a forward during Monday’s match sim.

With Jack Lukosius now at Port Adelaide the Suns are searching for the perfect partner in crime to spearhead Ben King.

The club expects second-year tall forwards Jed Walter and Ethan Read to make marked improvements on their 2024 campaigns but Moyle has thrown his hat in the ring while also battling skipper Jarrod Witts for the No.1 ruck spot.

Daniel Rioli is also recovering from injury. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Damien Hardwick rarely deployed two rucks last season but after Brisbane’s success with Joe Daniher spelling Oscar McInerney, it could be a blueprint the Suns coach looks to emulate more often in 2025.

After a self-described disappointing 2024 season Bailey Humphrey looks ready to release the shackles after starring in Monday’s match sim.

With each passing training session draftee Leo Lombard looks more and more likely to earn an early season debut, impressing with his tackle pressure and physicality.

Indigenous All-Star Joel Jeffrey continues to improve and looks a ready-made alternate across halfback.

Lachie Weller has trained on the wing and looks to be battling SSP recruit Ben Jepson for the start opposite Sam Clohesy.

Originally published as Track Watch: All the latest news and scouting notes from Gold Coast’s pre-season