Gary Ablett out for the season after re-injuring shoulder

Gary Ablett will miss the rest of the season.

The champion Gold Coast midfielder re-injured his shoulder late in the Suns’ win over the Lions on Saturday.

Matthew Lloyd told Sports Today that it’s time for the Suns’ next group of players to carry the load.

‘It’s got to the point now where Gary needs to be the cream on the cake at the Suns, not the man,’ Lloyd said.

‘I’d now start trying to grow as many players, it might be the best thing that can happen for them, it’s a silly thing to say.’

‘It’s about trying to build the club, not Gary’s club.’

Click PLAY to hear Lloydy’s take on Ablett

The Suns’ Football Operations Manager Marcus Ashcroft confirmed that bad news today.

‘Gary’s shoulder is not as good as we first thought. Initially we thought it mightn’t have been as bad but scans today confirmed he’ll miss the remainder of the year,’ Football Operations Manager Marcus Ashcroft said.

‘It’s clearly a very disappointing result for Gary and the club but we will make sure Gary gets the surgery and treatment required to ensure Gary returns in 2017.’

Ablett said the timing of the injury was disappointing.

‘Injuries are part of the game and it’s frustrating that I will miss the rest of the year, in particular after we’ve worked hard to get back to playing a much more competitive style of footy,’ he said.

It was a horror match for the Suns, with star Michael Rischitelli also suffering a serious injury.

Rischitelli ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will miss up to 12 months.