Gold Coast GM of Football Jon Haines says the club plans to take a cautious approach with top draft pick Elijah Hollands as he continues his recovery from injury.
Hollands joined the Suns with pick seven in the 2020 National Draft, with the talented teenager spending much of last year recovering from an ACL tear he sustained in February.
Haines said the Suns were taking a long-term view with the exciting midfielder, who was once touted as a potential number one draft pick before injuring his knee.
“It’s very much a cautious approach (with Elijah Hollands),” he said on SEN Mornings.
“It’s been a unique year for most of the under 18 cohort with COVID, and particular for Elijah (Hollands) with his knee (injury), so our medical staff have had a really good look at him and have a tight medical program in place.
“We’re in no rush with Elijah, we understand that he’s a terrific young talent and going to help our list build.
“He’s a terrific character and shows real maturity, we’ll be patient with him and make sure we get his knee right and take a long-term approach with him, like we’ve done with all our young players as they’ve come through.”
Gold Coast return to full training next week, ahead of their first pre-season match against Brisbane on February 27.
Hollands told SEN late last year he hopes to be ready for senior football in April or May.