"We hope it's not too serious, but we're not too sure" - Gold Coast Suns left sweating over defender’s fitness after collision in Geelong Cats defeat

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick was unsure about the seriousness of the injury to Mac Andrew which forced a half-time substitution in the Gold Coast Suns' 10-goal victory over the Geelong Cats on Thursday night.

The second quarter incident saw three players come together, with the spring-heeled Andrew launching for a high bouncing ball as teammate Ben Ainsworth leapt to take possession, and a fast closing Mark O'Connor challenged from the side.

The resulting collision saw Ainsworth cop collateral damage from Andrew's elbow to the face, while O'Connor's knee connected with Andrew's leg, although it was the Irishman who landed at the bottom of the pack.

Ainsworth came off to have his cheek treated, but returned to the field to play the game out, while Andrew was taken for assessment through half-time and subbed out as a mainly precautionary measure.

The interim diagnosis is a swollen leg, but the club doctor hasn't ruled out a possible fibula fracture. A more definite diagnosis will confirm whether or not he needs time off with a nine-day break between matches for the Suns before they face the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on Saturday May 25.

"We hope it's not too serious, but we're not too sure. It was like a kick I think, so whether it's a little fracture in his fibula, we're not too sure. We're hoping for the best.

"He's such a brilliant player, the kid. He's one of those players people want to see play, so hopefully he's OK," said Damien Hardwick.

Suns replacement options to cover possible Mac Andrew injury

The Suns' selection panel has so far used 36 players in only 10 games so far this season, so with the prospect of matching up on the past two Coleman Medal winners looming, that number may yet increase.

Given the Suns mimicked Geelong's usual ruck tactic of sending three players in rotation, one main follower, one chopping out in attack and one in defence, any replacement needs to be able to share the ruckwork.

Caleb Graham has played 37 games in this backline and can pinch hit in the ruck, but he is more in the lockdown defender role that may or may not suit the Hardwick game plan.

Sandy Brock has not made his AFL debut as yet in spite of being drafted in 2021, although he has been developing nicely and was played in the ruck at WAFL seniors level for Peel Thunder in 2021.

However, Ethan Read is likely to be the option given he played so well in defence during his draft year.