Sydney coach Dean Cox has confirmed superstar Errol Gulden will return in Thursday’s clash with Brisbane from a long-term shoulder injury.
Gulden, who hasn’t played since suffering the injury in Round 1, is now thrust into AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach plans as a premium who’s already had their bye.
The Swans had listed Gulden as a “test” this week, but Cox confirmed his inclusion speaking on SEN Breakfast on Tuesday.
“Errol will play,” Cox said. “He’s got through everything he’s had to get through which is great for the football club and great for Errol because it’s been a hard two years for him.
“The resilience of the young man and what he’s gone through, he has trained extremely hard, done everything he possibly can and he’s ready to go which is really exciting.”
Given his four-month absence, Cox was asked about managing Gulden’s minutes, but he played that down.
SuperCoach and Fantasy coaches may be reluctant to jump on Gulden immediately upon his return, especially with concerns he may need time to build up his time on ground, or potentially play a wing role, rather than on-ball.
“He won’t have too many restrictions on him,” Cox said.
“The pleasing thing after he started running, is that he’s been running for eight weeks, so has basically had another pre-season under his belt.
“I think one of his biggest strengths is how he covers the ground.
“He will be managed a little bit, but expect him to play the match minutes he normally does.”
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Ben Somerford
