Gold Coast are breathing a sigh of relief with co-captain David Swallow cleared of a serious knee injury and a chance to feature in Sunday’s AFL clash with Fremantle.

The midfielder suffered “significant bone bruising and swelling” from a collision in Saturday’s one-point loss to St Kilda and, after being sent for treatment, returned to play in the forward line.

Club medical staff said there was no structural damage to Swallow’s knee and that fitness tests later in the week would determine his availability for the Metricon Stadium clash.

“Dave will do everything he can to be available for this weekend but we’ll need to assess where he’s at towards the end of the week,” Suns physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said.

Emerging Suns forward Ben Ainsworth hasn’t been as fortunate as he faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a similar injury, while defender Sam Collins will need to pass concussion protocols after a head knock in the final stages of Saturday’s tight loss.

Ainsworth was attempting a shot at goal when his legs buckled under a defender’s attempted smother, injuring ligaments in his knee.

The 21-year-old will be a frustrating omission for coach Stuart Dew, although Nick Holman, Jack Leslie and Richmond recruit Corey Ellis all had successful injury returns in the NEAFL.