With just 16 days between now and round one, and only one more practice match encounter, the clock is running down to the Gold Coast SUNS’ Easter Saturday season opener against Melbourne at the MCG.
 
And with each passing day, the debate surrounding Rodney Eade’s round one side continues to intensify. One thing is for sure, spearhead Tom Lynch won’t be there due to suspension, nor will fellow key forward Charlie Dixon who is on the comeback trail from ankle surgery.
 
In the absence of those two focal points, Rodney Eade has suggested he may select two specialist ruckmen to tackle the Demons in round one. A thought process that appeared unlikely not long ago.
 
Zac Smith and Tom Nicholls’ battle for the number one ruck position at Metricon Stadium has escalated the longer the pre-season has unravelled, with the pair looking to put a couple of injury-ravaged seasons in the distant past.
 
“I think with our talls out they both could play round one. I’ve had thoughts of that anyway,” Eade told the media on Thursday ahead of the SUNS NAB Challenge game against Brisbane on Friday night.
 
“Even if we’ve got [Charlie] Dixon and [Tom] Lynch playing, that they both could play anyway at various stages.

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“Obviously both play tomorrow night, which gives them a good chance for either to put their hand up. I would think if they’re both in reasonable form we could take both into round one.”

Gold Coast’s final selection in the National Draft, Touk Miller (pick No. 29), has played in the opening two NAB Challenge games and has been named in the squad to face the Lions.
 
The former Calder Cannons and Vic Metro captain has generated little fanfare during the pre-season competition, but his team-first approach and appetite for the contest has forced Eade and his coaching staff to seriously consider Miller for a round one debut in his home city.
 
Eade identified Miller’s character as being particularly impressive during his short time in Carrara, suggesting the teenager, along with two other draftees, could be in line for a debut against the Demons.
 
“He’s been fantastic with the way he’s applied himself. We obviously recruited him on the basis he had great character – apart from he can play football – and he’s shown that in spades over the summer,” Eade said.
 
“I think, looking come round one, we may have three first gamers at this stage. Obviously we’ll have [Nick] Malceski and [Mitch] Hallahan as well, so we’re looking at maybe having up to five players play their first game for the Gold Coast SUNS.”