The Suns have had to make a second last-minute adjustment to their squad within 24 hours before Sunday’s game against Essendon, as illness strikes the Queensland club once again.
Gold Coast confirmed that young player Lloyd Johnston will miss the game due to illness, with midfielder Brayden Fiorini stepping in as a replacement for Damien Hardwick’s team.m
This change follows the loss of co-captain Jarrod Witts to a hamstring injury on Friday, forcing Hardwick to adjust his squad to include backup ruckman Ned Moyle.
On Friday afternoon, the Suns finalized their lineup by naming Moyle, Sam Flanders, and Will Graham as additions for the upcoming match against the Bombers. Flanders returns after missing last week’s game against Carlton due to illness.
We’ve made a change the side that will face the Bombers at @PeopleFirstSt tomorrow. Brayden Fiorini replaces Lloyd Johnston (illness).
— Gold Coast Suns (@GoldCoastSUNS) May 31, 2024
Johnston’s prospects for Round 12 have been dashed by illness, leading to Fiorini’s inclusion for his 10th game of 2024.
Johnston joins Witts, along with omitted players Jake Rogers and Alex Davies, in making way for the new inclusions.
The Suns will host Essendon at People First Stadium on Sunday at 4:00pm (AEST) as they aim to break into the top eight.
