Ablett facing time on the sidelines
GARY Ablett hates watching footy.
Which is going to make life tough for the Gold Coast Suns star after being told he could miss up to three weeks due to bone bruising in his right knee.
Ablett spent six hours in and out of an ice bath on Saturday night after injuring the knee in the final minutes of the 65-point loss to the Brisbane Lions.
After visiting a specialist yesterday, the former Brownlow Medallist said he was relieved to be told there was no significant structural damage.
"It is a relief. The doctor said two to three weeks at this stage, but I'm pretty confident I'll be back earlier," Ablett said.
The Suns were disappointing against the Lions and Ablett said his absence would give his young teammates the chance to step up.
"I'm not a great spectator. I hate watching and wish I was out there," he said.
"Hopefully the guys can play some good footy. I don't think it's necessarily all a bad thing."
The news was worse for teammate Jarrod Harbrow who could miss the rest of the season after dislocating his elbow against the Lions.
The former Western Bulldog hadn't missed a game since joining the Suns before the start of the 2011 season.
General manager Marcus Ashcroft said Harbrow would be out for a "significant period of time".
The bright spot for the Suns was that young gun David Swallow may be available for Saturday's clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium despite battling a hip injury.
