GOLD Coast will be without key defender Clara Fitzpatrick for Sunday's crucial clash against Greater Western Sydney and is still unsure whether young forward Dekota Baron will be available.

Fitzpatrick suffered a foot injury during Saturday's win over Richmond and will join half-back Daisy D'Arcy (concussion) on the sidelines for a match the Suns must win to have a chance at finishing in the top four.

With Ava Usher fronting the Tribunal on Tuesday afternoon in the hope of overturning a one-match ban, the other question mark facing the Suns surrounds Baron.

The teenager was taken from the field against the Tigers following an ARC intervention that overruled Gold Coast's medical declaration she had passed a head injury assessment.

Speaking on Tuesday following a lengthy training session, coach Rhyce Shaw said Baron was doing well, but he was unsure of her availability.

"She seems in good spirits. She's in protocols at this stage and we'll see what happens there," Shaw said.

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"It's really important the wellbeing of the player is first and foremost at the front of everyone's mind.

"After that it's a discussion for the AFL and our club and what that looks like and we're going through a process to see how that pans out.

"Our doctor did a fantastic job."

Shaw said Fitzpatrick would miss just the one match and would be available for the Suns' first final the following week.

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"It just gives more opportunity for other players," he said.

"We've shown that this year with players coming in at different times and doing a role and we've been successful.

"I don't see any reason why we can't do that again. The way we're going and what's on the line, I think the girls will crack in and take their opportunity."

Shaw says he hasn't spoken to his players about the ramifications of Sunday's match, with the Suns heading a logjam from fourth to seventh separated by percentage only.

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He was, however, proud of them locking in a top-eight spot with a week remaining of the home and away season.

"Locking in finals is a big deal. From where we've come from, we're really proud of what we've been able to achieve to this point so far," Shaw said.

"We spoke about the start of a new season and it starts this week. 

"We're pretty focused on the GWS Giants and going to Henson Park and playing some good footy against a good opposition."