GOLD COAST midfielder Harley Bennell has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn with a hamstring injury.

Bennell joins ruckman Zac Smith on the sidelines, the only two confirmed outs for the Suns on Thursday night.

It is a massive blow for the underdogs who face a big challenge against the ladder leaders at the MCG.

The talented midfielder has been one of their best this season, with his pace and skill complementing the talent of superstar, Gary Ablett.

In just his third year of football, the number two draft pick plays with composure beyond his years with the ability to turn a game just like his captain.

Bennell is ranked fourth at the Suns for disposals, fifth for uncontested possessions and centre clearances. He is also third on his team’s goal kicking leader board, having kicked seven so far this season.

In other selection news at the Suns, former Hawk Tom Murphy has been recalled for his new side after missing two matches with concussion.

Murphy departed the Hawks under the free agency rules last season, citing more opportunity at the Suns.

He will play in a defensive role on one Hawthorn’s power forwards.

Gold Coast Round 9 squad
B: T.McKenzie, J.Hutchins, D.Stanley
HB: D.Swallow, R.Thompson, T.Murphy
C: M.Shaw, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: G.Broughton, TJ.Lynch, J.Lonergan
F: C.Brown, S.May, A.Hall
Foll: S.Day, J.O'Meara, D.Prestia
Int: D.Gorringe, B.Matera, J.Brennan, L.Russell, T.Nicholls, K.Horsley, J.Wilkinson

In: T.Murphy, K.Horsley, J.Wilkinson, T.Nicholls, D.Gorringe
Out: Z.Smith (Knee), H.Bennell (Hamstring)