GOLD Coast has been dealt a big blow ahead of Saturday's must-win match against Port Adelaide, with star defender Steven May ruled out with a hamstring injury.
May sustained the injury late in Saturday's loss against Carlton and will miss "a few weeks".
Another Suns defender, Tom Murphy, also had some news of his own on Tuesday, announcing his retirement effective from the end of the season.
Murphy came to the Suns at the end of 2012 as an unrestricted free agent after 95 games with Hawthorn, and has added a further 18 matches in his time at Metricon Stadium.
May's loss is a cruel one for the struggling Suns, with the 22-year-old now one of their most important players.
Gold Coast high performance manager Stephen Schwerdt confirmed the club's worst fears.
"He strained his hamstring late in the game on the weekend and will be out for a few weeks," Schwerdt said.
"It’s unfortunate for Steve, he’s had a sensational year with what’s he’s done and he’s done a power of work."
Fellow defender Trent McKenzie will be taken through concussion testing this week but is likely to play, while vice-captain Michael Rischitelli is also a big chance of overcoming a corked hip to take his place.
Murphy's retirement comes after two solid seasons in which he helped educate a young Suns defensive unit.
"I feel very fortunate to have played footy over the last 10 seasons with both the Hawthorn and Gold Coast football clubs," Murphy said.
"The journey has gone very quickly, but I leave with many great memories and friends.
"I hope, in my time here, I’ve played my role in establishing the Gold Coast Suns. I wish the team all the very best for the future and look forward to watching the club go on to bigger and better things in the years to come."
