CREATIVE Gold Coast defender Pearce Hanley has been ruled out of Saturday's match against West Coast with a shin injury.

Hanley suffered the setback in round five against Adelaide but managed to play in last weekend's QClash against Brisbane.

Suns coach Stuart Dew likened the injury to kicking a car tow-ball.

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"It bruised up heavily and was quite significant," Dew said.

"He did really well to get up (last week) but it cost him this week.

"It's a bit dicey to take him all the way to Perth and sit him out. It's best to let him get better and recover."

Gold Coast flies to Perth on Thursday afternoon and will take 24 players, including wingman Wil Powell.

Powell has missed two matches with a concussion he suffered in round four against Carlton but appears right to resume his place after training strongly this week. 

Aaron Young and Anthony Miles could also come into consideration.

Number three draft pick Izak Rankine will also make the trip west, but purely as a 25th player for experience.

Rankine has overcome a hamstring injury he suffered in the JLT Community Series and will play his first NEAFL match next weekend.

"He'll be around the group, get a good experience, see what a Perth trip is like and then the plan will be to get back in, play as well as he can and put his name up," Dew said.

"We're looking forward to seeing him play footy."

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