Gold Coast forward Sean Lemmens has been hit with another injury setback after scans revealed that the 24-year-old sustained a syndesmosis injury to his left ankle.
The Sun fell awkwardly while contesting for the ball in the final minute of Gold Coast's five-point victory over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
Scans confirmed that Lemmens will require surgery on his left ankle, which will sideline the medium forward for up to eight weeks.
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"Unfortunately for Sean in the last tackle of the game he suffered a high ankle sprain," Gold Coast's head physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said.
"We’ll consult with an ankle surgeon this week and likely have surgery.
"They usually last six to eight weeks in their rehab."
Sean Lemmens is set to have surgery on his injured ankle. More information in the full Alpha Sport Injury Update.
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It's the second consecutive year that the South Australian has suffered an injury in the JLT Community Series, having torn his hamstring in last year's clash with Geelong in Townsville.
But his return was short lived after a fractured wrist sustained in the NEAFL sent him to the sidelines until round 13.
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Going on to play all but one match to finish last year's season, the pressure forward was in the running to claim a spot in the Gold Coast's starting 18 for their opening match against St Kilda.
Midfielder George Horlin-Smith also sustained a minor ankle injury in the Suns JLT clash with the Bulldogs, but is expected to return for round one.