Rodney Eade and the match committee’s decision to select just the one ruckman, in Tom Nicholls, for Saturday night’s clash with Collingwood is a massive show of faith in the emerging ruckman.
 
The inaugural SUN has endured more than his fair share of injuries during his time in Carrara, but has strung together four consecutive games to build some consistency in not only his game, but in his body.
 
Since returning to the senior side in round four following season-ending knee surgery last May, Nicholls has gradually built form over the last month. The 23-year-old was one of the few players who didn’t have his colours lowered against the Eagles in Perth, with the ruckman getting the better of his duel with Nic Naitanui.
 
With Zac Smith omitted from the SUNS line up, Nicholls’ workload in the ruck will increase this weekend against young Collingwood ruckmen Brodie Grundy and Jarrod Witts. A responsibility Eade believes will help with the ruckman’s continued development.
 
“He’s certainly been encouraging. He’s getting more percentage of game time in the ruck. So he’s resilience to be able to play the game out is improving,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday afternoon.
 
“I thought he contested pretty well last week. Naitanui didn’t really have an enormous impact. Tom had 11 tackles so his work around the ball was fantastic.
 
“They’ve got two good, young ruckmen this week. He’ll have to get some support from Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon this week, so hopefully the game time that Tom can play will increase again.”
 
Inexperienced key defenders Henry Schade and Jack Leslie will be thrown in the deep end once more against the Magpies. With Steven May serving the last week of his suspension and Rory Thompson still sidelined with a hip injury, big-bodied Collingwood pair Travis Cloke and Jesse White provide this week’s challenge.
 
Eade admits feeling sympathy for Schade and Leslie’s harsh learning curve, but is confident that it will help fast track their development. The SUNS mentor was particularly impressed with Schade’s determination against Coleman medal leader, Josh Kennedy, last weekend.
 
“You feel sorry for them a little bit, but it’s a great learning curve and it’s a big exercise about growing up really quickly,” Eade said.
 
“Jack’s only played now the three games and Henry’s played the four, so to be able to hold down the key spots.
 
I thought especially Henry last week was really pleasing the way he kept competing. You know he’s undersized and undermanned and under experienced compared to the player he played on – Josh Kennedy, he kept him to four.
 
“It’s been a big ask for them but I’ve been pleased by their commitment.”