Dire state of injury affairs bludgeoning Gold Coast

Rodney Eade admits he has never experienced anything like it during his time in the game and given his time has spanned more than three decades, that is saying something. What has he been talking about? The injury curse penetrating the Gold Coast SUNS of course. He even went as far as to say the injury stick has been “bludgeoning” his side in the early part of 2015. And given the fact only 20 players on the list were capable of training on Tuesday, it’s not hard to comprehend what he is talking about. With Gold Coast teetering at 1-5 and a smorgasbord of class sitting in the stands, circumstances have definitely been rosier during the SUNS' short history. But, whilst the game’s 17th franchise has been beaten from pillar to post across all forms of the media, you would be hard pressed to find any team able to cope with the devastation of injury that has swept through the southern part of Queensland. The fact the SUNS are using player No. 36 and 37 in round seven underlines the dire state of affairs – especially when you consider that at the same time last year, this number was only 26.

Bennell, McKenzie, Matera & Stanley back after serving penalty

When Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie and Brandon Matera were stood down from the senior team last weekend, the test was going to be how they would respond in the reserves. In terms of attitude, not pure performance. Danny Stanley was another player who was excluded from senior selection for the same crime and he, along with the other three responded in a resounding manner. So it was no surprise whatsoever that the four were brought straight back into Eade’s side with their debts paid. As part of Eade’s endeavour to build a successful culture driven by the playing group – the incident may well prove to be the catalyst. And their availability this week is an enormous bonus for an injury ravaged line up that desperately needs players in-form. With Bennell collecting 40 disposals, Stanley 38 touches and the other two at their classy best, their inclusions come at an ideal time for the SUNS.

Talia one week, McGovern the next?

After making a low key return from ankle surgery against the Giants in round four, powerhouse forward Charlie Dixon has booted nine goals in the last two weeks to remind the football world of his ability inside 50. Dixon produced a dominant performance in the QClash a fortnight ago to win the Marcus Ashcroft medal on the back of booting six goals and collecting 15 contested possessions. Last week he demonstrated his ability to contribute despite limited opportunities. Up against last year’s All Australian full-back, Daniel Talia, Dixon kicked three goals from about as many opportunities – highlighting his ability to still pay the bills regardless of circumstances. On Saturday night, there’s every chance he will draw one of the in-form key defenders in the competition in Jeremy McGovern. The West Coast Eagles backman has emerged as one of the best key defenders in the game during the early part of this season. In the absence of Eric McKenzie and Mitch Brown, the inexperienced McGovern has led a severely undermanned back six with aplomb. If the All Australian side was picked today, there’s every chance the former rookie would be in there. Whether he goes to Tom Lynch or Dixon, either player will be in for a contest at Domain Stadium.

With no May or Thompson, two gamer's to face Coleman medal leader

At the other end of the ground, a scary task awaits one of either Henry Schade or Jack Leslie. The assignment is Coleman Medal leader Josh Kennedy. A man capable of kicking big bags given the fact he has three double digit games to his name with the latest being against Carlton in round two when he booted 10.1. With Steven May serving the second week of his suspension and Rory Thompson succumbing to a perseverant hip issue, a man with only two games of senior experience (both Schade and Leslie have played two games each) will be handed one of the more difficult tasks in the game. One consolation is Kennedy is being hampered by an elbow injury after he dislocated it against the Giants a fortnight ago. Although below his best against the Power last Sunday, he still plucked nine grabs and kicked 1.3. With little experience in defence, the key will be winning the battle in the midfield to ensure the Eagles aren’t able to waltz through the middle of the ground and put the ball on a platter for Kennedy and co. Given the injury toll has also claimed rebounding defenders Nick Malceski and Adam Saad, the incumbent Trent McKenzie will play a crucial role down back.

Nicholls v Naitanui ruck showdown set to enthral

The battle in the ruck lurks as an enthralling encounter with West Coast pair Nic Naitanui and Callum Sinclair coming off strong performances against Port Adelaide duo Matthew Lobbe and Paddy Ryder. Naitanui has started the season in a consistent fashion averaging 29.5 hitouts per outing, but it is ability to win ruck contests, which sees him ranked second in the competition behind Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands with a winning percentage of 52.7%. With three games now under his belt, Tom Nicholls is gradually building form following his return from a knee reconstruction that ended his season prematurely in 2014. The industrious tap ruckman has not been warmed into a return to senior football with his three games against Shane Mumford, Stefan Martin and Sam Jacobs providing arguably some of the toughest projects in the craft. On Saturday night, Nicholls and Zac Smith will have to be at their best to quell Naitanui and his supporting act in Sinclair. The former Port Melbourne ruckman has played the last two games and collected 24 hitouts against quality opposition in Port Adelaide.