With Rory Thompson and Trent McKenzie both sidelined for this Saturday’s QClash, coach Rodney Eade will likely need to bring in at least one defender to cover their absence.

While Clay Cameron has been earmarked for a switch to defence after starting the season as a forward, there’s a number of players in the reserves putting their hands up to slot into the senior team’s back six.

Talls Jack Leslie and Henry Schade will come under consideration to partner vice-captain Steven May down back. Leslie did a superb job on the NT Thunder’s dangerous spearhead Darren Ewing in round one while Schade was named in the best players in the NEAFL team’s round two loss to Aspley.

Keegan Brooksby played as a forward against Aspley but spent much of the pre-season shining as a key defender, putting the South Australian firmly in contention for a backline spot.

If Eade and his assistants opt to go small in defence, Mackenzie Willis will likely head the list of candidates. The Tasmanian hard-nut has been outstanding in the reserves but still needs to prove his fitness in Thursday’s main training session after suffering a foot injury last Saturday.

Both Callum Ah Chee and Touk Miller appear likely to come into the side after missing the round three win with illness and an ankle sprain respectively.

Their potential inclusions will make it difficult for the likes of Brayden Fiorini (32 disposals against Aspley) and Luke Russell (27 disposals) to force their way into a SUNS midfield already brimming with talent, despite showing good form in the twos.