Suns’ Dixon facing spell on AFL sidelines

He is one of the hottest properties in the AFL but Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon’s market value may have just dropped dramatically.

The injury-plagued 24-year-old hurt his ankle during his side’s 22-point loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night and could spend the next few weeks on the sidelines.

But far worse might be the damage his setback could do to his hopes of landing a big-money contract next season.

Dixon’s deal with the Suns expires at the end of the year and while several clubs have shown keen interest, some have baulked at his reported $750,000 per season asking price.

His latest injury won’t help him in trying to convince potential suitors he is worth that much, despite announcing his arrival on the open market with an impressive seven-goal haul against North Melbourne last weekend.

Dixon is in his fifth season with the Suns but has played just 59 AFL games and his career has been repeatedly hampered by fitness issues.

Playing in front of his hometown crowd at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, Dixon injured his ankle at his first contest for the ball.

He shrugged off trainers in an attempt to play on but couldn’t overcome it and went straight to the changerooms when taken from the ground.

Dixon left the stadium wearing a moonboot and coach Rodney Eade has already ruled him out of next week’s clash with Greater Western Sydney at Carrara.

“Hopefully it’s nothing too serious,” Eade said.

“You imagine the way it’s blown up, it will be a few weeks.”

There was further bad news on the injury front for Gold Coast – David Swallow (knee), Michael Rischitelli (thigh) and Aaron Hall (groin) all played out the match despite picking up niggles that may put them in doubt to face the Giants.

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