Gold Coast utility Hugh Greenwood has dodged a dreaded anterior cruciate ligament tear but will miss the rest of the AFL season with a knee injury.
The Suns feared the worst for Greenwood when he damaged his right knee when a teammate fell across him during Sunday's narrow win over GWS in Ballarat.
But scans have since confirmed Greenwood has instead torn the medial collateral ligament.
The shorter recovery time frame should see the tough 29-year-old ready for the start of Gold Coast's 2022 pre-season program.
"Hugh's completely ruptured his MCL which is a really significant knee injury," Suns head physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said.
"That will see him in a brace for around about six weeks and some rehab after that.
"But pleasingly for Hugh he should be right to go for the start of pre-season."
Greenwood has become a key player for Gold Coast in his two seasons with the club since being traded from Adelaide.
Speaking after the win over the Giants, Suns coach Stuart Dew said the former Australian international basketballer's knee injury was "really disappointing".
"He's a much-loved member of the group," Dew said.
"He's just had the birth of his second child, so the best week of his life - there's now just a little bit of a dampener on it.
"We'll get around him."
Lachie Weller (concussion) is also unavailable for Saturday's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium, while second-year midfielder Noah Anderson will be tested as he recovers from a hand injury.
"Noah is going really well - he's got a few tests to tick off this week before he returns to play," Bull said.
"He's going to be involved in training today and then later in the week and we'll see how he goes functionally before we make a decision on Noah for this weekend."
Key forward Josh Corbett is clear to return after his concussion.
