Kade Kolodjashnij's AFL future looks a little clearer, with tests revealing his struggles with concussion are due to a weakness in his neck that can be strengthened.
The Gold Coast defender's career has stuttered in the last two years, with a series of head knocks ending his 2017 season prematurely and limiting him again this year.
The former No.5 draft pick has struggled with blurred vision and a lack of focus, admitting earlier this year it has been a scary battle that has taken its toll mentally.
Headaches forced the Tasmanian to withdraw from a NEAFL match a fortnight ago and seek out a Melbourne specialist.
Suns football manager Jon Haines says Kolodjashnij's test results should give him hope.
"(The tests) identified some issues more so to do with his neck than the actual concussion itself," Haines told the club's website.
"That's giving Kade and the medical team some really good direction on the way forward.
"With all of these sort of incidents, the primary consideration is the player and the person himself, and Kade has obviously been experiencing a tough time, so to get some positive news last week was really great for him."
The 22-year-old is off contract and hopeful of remaining at the Suns, where he has played 74 games since bursting onto the scene in 2014.
