Gold Coast small forward Darcy MacPherson faces more than three months on the sidelines after fracturing his lower leg in the Suns' AFL defeat of Brisbane.
The 20-year-old had started well, kicking two goals before falling awkwardly while making a tackle in the second quarter on Sunday.
Gold Coast football operations manager Jon Haines said MacPherson was looking at a 12-14 week recovery period.
"He's got a fracture to his fibula so he went in and had surgery yesterday (Monday) and obviously would be expecting a fairly extended period on the sidelines," Haines said.
"We're hopeful that towards the back end of the season he should be able to to be getting up for some games."
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There was also concern for the luckless Kade Kolodjashni, who was dropped to the side's NEAFL outfit but only managed two quarters before concussion symptoms returned.
The talented half-back has worn headgear this season after being plagued by multiple concussions last season which eventually cut his AFL campaign short.
