IZAK Rankine has suffered a major setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury and could miss another six weeks.

The No.3 draft pick was due to play his first game for Gold Coast's NEAFL team this weekend but has aggravated the injury he picked up in the JLT Series in March. 

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Gold Coast's head physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said the Suns would continue taking a "really cautious approach" with Rankine, who would spend 4-6 weeks in rehab.

In better news for the club, Pearce Hanley (shin) and Lachie Weller (hamstring) are expected to be available for Saturday's match against Melbourne. 

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Hanley missed just the one match while Weller has missed four.

Aaron Young copped a knock to his knee in last weekend's 23-point loss to West Coast and will have to pass a test to be available to play the Demons.

Richmond recruit Corey Ellis (groin) should also be able to return through the NEAFL.

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