Suns’ Ablett ruled out of AFL Lions clash

Dean Solomon’s initiation as Gold Coast AFL coach against Brisbane on Saturday has been made tougher with Gary Ablett ruled out.

Midfielder Ablett won’t play in the QClash in Brisbane, Solomon confirming a slight right hamstring tear on Thursday.

Taking over from sacked coach Rodney Eade, Solomon said he had aspirations to “one day” become a full-time head coach.

However, he would not confirm if he would put his hat in the ring for a promotion at the Suns.

“I think one day is a good point, at some stage,” he said of his coaching aspirations.

“But I’m in no rush, just continuing to develop. It’s someone else’s decision if you’re ready or not.

“If the opportunity arrises in the future, six months or six years, I’ll look at it then.”

Solomon, who has been at the club since their AFL inception in 2011, said Ablett would provide some added wisdom in the coaches’ box on Saturday.

“I just spoke to him and he is keen to push hard to play next week,” Solomon said.

“His attitude has been amazing in the last 24-48 hours … he was taking drills yesterday and will be up supporting the team and I want to lean on him to educate our players at half-time and after the game.”

The Suns have three games remaining this season with Solomon saying he will find a balance between being competitive and building for next season.

“We are going to simplify a lot of things, but we aren’t just going to rock up to games to be there,” the interim coach said.

“We want to push the envelope and get a couple of wins against our name.

“We have 16 days to really band together and stand for something.”

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