After a disappointing defeat to Adelaide on Easter Sunday, SUNS Coach Stuart Dew says his side have already put the game to bed and are looking ahead to QClash17 this weekend at Metricon Stadium.

The team currently sit at 3-2 after five rounds, and Dew has some tough selection decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s crucial match against the Brisbane Lions.

Midfielder Anthony Miles is likely to be available again after missing Round 5 with a corked calf, with more players knocking on the door after impressive NEAFL performances.

“There’s a couple of decisions there to make,” Dew said at Wednesday morning’s joint press conference with Lions coach Chris Fagan.

“Josh Corbett’s available, Aaron Young’s available, Sam Day and Brad Scheer also.

“Some consistent performances in the NEAFL (from those guys) so when we sit down tomorrow to finalise the side it might be a long one.”

The SUNS head into Saturday’s match with a six-day break, whereas the Lions, who played on Easter Thursday, will have had nine days of rest. 

Fagan was tight-lipped on his own selection decisions but expected both sides to bounce back in what is always a competitive match.

“I think always coaches are looking for the response after a poor performance,” Fagan said. 

“That’s the secret to this competition because it’s so even, you’re going to have your patches where you don’t go so well but it’s your ability to bounce back quickly which is what you’re looking for.

“Both of us are in the same boat this week so that will help make the competition pretty fierce on Saturday I would imagine.” 

While Dew didn’t necessarily confirm it, his response to a question regarding Touk Miller’s role on Saturday should have fans excited to see the rivalry between the SUNS vice-captain and Lions skipper Dayne Zorko reignite.

“I’m sure at some point they’ll be running next to each other,” Dew said with a wry smile.

“How often and how long? We’ll just wait and see.

“I’m sure they’re probably both expecting it I think.”

The match kicks off at 1:45pm this Saturday at Metricon Stadium, with the NEAFL team playing a curtain raiser at 10am.