GOLD Coast playmaker Pearce Hanley was in a moon boot after injuring his ankle in the NEAFL on Saturday after returning from Ireland last Monday. 

Hanley, 28, returned home almost three weeks ago for his younger brother Tommy's funeral following the latter's battle with cancer.

The former Brisbane Lion hasn't played at senior level since round one.

Gold Coast opted to play Hanley in the NEAFL on Saturday after as a precaution following his history with soft-tissue injuries.  

Hanley collected 11 disposals and kicked a behind before he was forced off the ground as his side won by 14 points against Aspley, 13.9 (87) to 10.13 (73). 

Suns coach Rodney Eade said the midfielder was placed in a moon boot as a precaution and would have scans at the start of the week.

"We're not too sure of the extent (of the injury). He landed after a mark and landed on his heel," Eade said.

"Best case it's a bruised heel. We don't know how severe, so they put him straight in a moon boot at half-time just to ease it.

"We'll have some assessments … there's a holiday on Monday, so maybe Tuesday, and we'll see what the extent of it is. We're hopeful he'll be right for next week."

Hanley was traded to the Suns at the end of last year as part of a three-way deal that also involved Port Adelaide.