Ablett must get through training

Gary Ablett could miss Saturday night's clash against Port Adelaide. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GARY Ablett can't clench his fist but expects to play against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

Ablett hurt his hand in the Suns' two-point loss to Brisbane last Saturday night.

X-rays cleared the skipper of any broken bones in his right hand but he was last night sent for MRI scans to see what is causing the pain and swelling.

Ablett said today he didn't know when he suffered the injury, but he was unable to shake his opponent's hand after the match.

"It was a little awkward because I went up to shake their (Lions') hands and they were going in with the right hand and I was going with the left and I had to explain to a few of them that I hurt my hand during the game," he said.

"It's good now.

"I've got to get through training Wednesday night but the hand's not feeling too bad. I can't really clench it yet but I'm sure it'll be fine for the weekend.

"I remember running out of a pack (against the Lions) and the hand felt a bit sore and I wasn't sure if someone stood on it or it was a knock.''

Ablett is set to line up against the man he considers a "second father'' - former assistant coach at both Geelong and Gold Coast, Hinkley.

In his first head coaching role, Hinkley has guided Port to an impressive 3-0 season start - but isn't getting ahead of himself judging by a cheeky text to Ablett.

"I got a text from Ken this morning asking who I'd like for him to play on me,'' Ablett smiled.

"And the end of the text said something like 'please take it easy on us'.

"I always knew he was going to be a great coach so it's a great challenge for us and hopefully we can have our second win and give them their first loss.''

Ablett admitted being relegated to a 1-3 record after this weekend would be a blow after the Gold Coast had been handed a favourable early-season draw.

"We know we've got a great opportunity this week. We can make it 2-2 and set our season up,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Ablett was on Tuesday announced as the new AFL Queensland ambassador for community football.

In other news, key forward Charlie Dixon has an Achilles injury and is considered less likely to be cleared to play.

And defender Matt Maguire's ongoing absence is a major headache for Brisbane who must find opponents for Drew Petrie, Lachie Hansen and Robbie Tarrant.

It was hoped he would only miss the one game but he has now sat out two weeks and football manager Dean Warren said he may not be available until Rd 6 against Sydney.

"He is probably a couple of weeks away at least,'' Warren said.

"Because he has had a fair few issues there during his career, it is just going to take a little bit longer.''

The Lions have a swag of in form players from Sunday's 110 point NEAFL hiding of the Gold Coast's reserves jostling to take on the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

There will be one forced change with Jared Polec set to miss with an ankle injury.

Warren said the axe was not hovering over veteran Ash McGrath after a slow start to the season but admitted any underperforming players would feel the heat.

"There is pressure on for senior spots,'' he said.

"We have depth, there is a group of guys in the seconds that are playing good consistent footy and pushing for a game.''

One player who is safe as houses is debutant Sam Mayes.

The South Australian product looked right at home at the elite level collecting 21 disposals off a wing while adding two clearances and five inside 50s. He also took 10 marks - all uncontested - to showcase his lauded hard-running ability.

The No.8 draft pick's penetrating right boot also caught the eye in the wet conditions.

"My job was to spread hard and find some space. I was pleased with how I went and hopefully I can keep improving,'' he said.

"It will be a test next week against North Melbourne to back-up from this week and crack in again.''

- with AAP

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