DAVID Swallow is expected to be fit for Gold Coast's crucial clash against Carlton next weekend, despite being subbed out in the final quarter against St Kilda on Saturday night.
The Suns vice-captain sustained a lower leg injury during the first quarter of the 53-point win, but battled manfully for the most of the match before being given an early shower.
Coach Guy McKenna admitted his star onballer had been physically below his best for some time, but rejected any notion he might need a rest.
Swallow's left calf and Achilles were heavily strapped following the first quarter incident and he continued with an awkward running gait for much of the game. He finished with 11 touches and a clutch third-quarter goal.
"You can go and tell him he needs a rest because I'm not," McKenna said when questioned after the match.
"He's a competitor, a warrior, but (we're) conscious of looking after him short term and long term.
"He was certainly banged up. He hasn't been running well over the last month. For him to stay out there with what he'd done, and stirred up his old injury, (it was) a super effort."
McKenna said he was substituted so he could start treatment sooner and "be there wearing his jumper next week".
The Suns coach was delighted with his team's attitude in the return-to-form win over the Saints, saying it was about far more than ball movement and kicking a big score.
"I think the main one was the contested footy," he said, which they won 140-124.
"The way we've been going the last fortnight, we just had to get back to basics. I think we trained that and the boys delivered on that.
"They rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty and got the result they deserved. I was really proud of their efforts."
It was the first win in eight attempts without skipper Gary Ablett, who sat in the coach's box for the first time following his season-ending shoulder surgery.
"He had a few bits and pieces to say," McKenna said.
"Like most young assistant coaches it takes a while for them to come out of their skin. He had a couple of insightful recommendations. He offers a great set of eyes to our midfield brigade."
