STAR Gold Coast defender Kade Kolodjashnij has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to lingering concussion symptoms.
Kolodjashnij hasn't played since round 13 with a heavy bump the following week at training causing the injury.
Despite making solid progress in his recovery, the 21-year-old was never able to fully recover and the club decided to end his season early with his ongoing health and welfare their No.1 priority.
"Kade's actually doing quite well at the moment," Suns chief medical officer Dr Barry Rigby said.
"As you know he suffered some concussion symptoms over the last few weeks and he’s been pulled from playing.
"He has improved but when we did try and train him again, he again recurred with symptoms suggesting he had ongoing concussion.
"In terms of Kade’s progress from here on in, he will not be playing for the rest of the season, we’ve made a medical decision in his best interest.
"He will continue to have some further testing and some active treatment and we’re hopeful that he will continue to make a good recovery."
The Suns are hopeful the rebounding defender will resume full training on the first day of pre-season, but stopped short of guaranteeing a return.
"Hopefully he’ll be in a position to resume full training and playing next year but we’ll monitor that space over the off-season," Rigby said.
"He’s been undergoing some test and monitoring him medically, he’s making good progress so we’re very happy."