Star Gold Coast recruit Christian Petracca will be sidelined for the medium term with a hamstring injury, ruling him out of a grudge clash with former side Melbourne in a fortnight.
Petracca had 20 disposals to his name in Saturday's 68-point win over Richmond before hurting his right hamstring while being tackled from behind by Tiger James Trezise in the third quarter.
Suns coach Damien Hardwick was initially hopeful the injury wasn't too serious, labelling it "hamstring awareness".
But scans have revealed a tear, and although Gold Coast didn't put an exact timeline on Petracca's return, their "medium term" prognosis would suggest something in the vicinity of four to eight weeks.
Gold Coast have a bye next round, and the extent of Petracca's injury means he definitely won't be able to face the Demons at the MCG on April 5.
Petracca played 212 games for Melbourne before making a high-profile move to the Suns at the end of last season.
The 30-year-old's injury is a bitter blow for the rising Suns, who are still without Brownlow Medal winner Matt Rowell (broken finger).
Rowell suffered the injury in Victoria's State of Origin win over WA, and the healing process hasn't been straightforward, leaving his return date up in the air.
