The Gold Coast SUNS have named two debutants for Saturday night’s crucial QClash game against the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium.

Injuries and form have forced Rodney Eade and the match committee to make a handful of changes to the side following the SUNS' disappointing effort against Greater Western Sydney on Anzac Day.

After waiting more than three years to debut, Henry Schade will play his first game at the highest level. The tall key defender has forced the selectors to pick him on the back of impressive form in the NEAFL.

“His form in the pre-season NAB game was very encouraging, unfortunately he hurt his ankle. But he’s been back for the last three or four weeks in the NEAFL team and his form's been excellent,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday evening.

“He’s thoroughly deserved his opportunity – even without injuries he would have played this week. It’s taken him a while to be able to crack his first game, but I’m looking forward to a big game from him.”

Mature-aged rookie Josh Glenn will join Schade as a debutant against the Lions, with the elite-running midfielder rewarded for an impressive start to his career in Carrara.

“Josh’s played mainly in the midfield in the NEAFL team, but he can play back, he can play on a wing and he can play in the centre square. He’s really got a good attitude and he’s got a very big aerobic capacity and a good kick so hopefully he can put his stamp on the game as well,” Eade said.

With David Swallow and Nick Malceski sidelined with knee injuries, Jarrod Harbrow returns from a shoulder injury to help bolster Gold Coast’s lack of experience.

Big-bodied midfielder Jesse Lonergan has been included for his first senior appearance of 2015, with small forward Aaron Hall and ruckman Zac Smith both being omitted for the ninth edition of the southern Queensland rivalry.

“He (Lonergan) is a justified inclusion with his form in the NEAFL team. His last two weeks he’s been averaging 28 possessions, so he’s worked really hard and we’re looking forward to big things from him,” Eade said.

Round 5 AFL Premiership Team

B: H. Schade, S. May, K. Kolodjashnij
HB: A. Saad, R. Thompson, T. McKenzie
C: M. Shaw, D. Prestia, J. Harbrow
HF: J. Martin, T. Lynch, B. Matera
F: A. Sexton, C. Dixon, H. Bennell
R: T. Nicholls, M. Rischitelli, T. Miller
INT: J. Lonergan, J. Garlett, S. Lemmens, J. Glenn
Emergencies: L. Russell, M. Hallahan, S. Tape

IN: J. Harbrow, J. Glenn, H. Schade, J. Lonergan
OUT: D. Swallow (Knee), N. Malceski (Knee), A. Hall (Omitted), Z. Smith (Omitted)