Suns coach dismisses concerns over skipper's troublesome shoulder
GOLD Coast coach Rodney Eade has described Gary Ablett's quiet return to football as "just a bad day", dismissing concerns the star midfielder was still hampered by his reconstructed left shoulder.
Ablett had just 19 possessions in Saturday's loss to Melbourne, riding a number of crunching tackles from opponent Jack Viney, who took the points in a run-with role.
The skipper did kick brilliant back-to-back goals in the fourth quarter to keep his team in the contest, but he didn't lay a tackle and fumbled in the goalsquare at a critical moment when another opportunity presented.
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Footy Feed: Sarah Olle with the latest news
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Bombers equal debutants record as injury list grows
As its injury list continues to grow, Essendon has confirmed mid-season draftee Liam McMahon as its 13th debutant for 2025, equalling the record set by Fitzroy in 1991
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Match Previews R19: Essendon v GWS
Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Josh Jenkins preview the game between the Bombers and Giants at Marvel Stadium