Earlier this week, SUNS coach Rodney Eade admitted he was hesitant to play three draftees his side’s opening round clash against Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on Saturday March 25.

Thursday’s loss to the Western Bulldogs would nearly cement the veteran mentor’s philosophy, particularly given the final-quarter fadeout against the Dogs as well as the intensity and pace that round one always brings.

Will Brodie played only the final quarter against the reigning premiers, Ben Ainsworth struggled under the cloud of illness while Jack Bowes was impressive and composed early before fading as the game wore on.

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With second-year players Callum Ah Chee, Brayden Fiorini and Jesse Joyce also in the selection mix and still building their tanks, Eade is likely to take the cautious approach when announcing his team of 22 in two weeks time.

“Ainsworth’s been a bit crook, he’s had a bit of pneumonia since Mackay so we knew that he’d probably struggle but he was okay to get some game time in so we’re happy with the game time, he didn’t have much effect,” Eade told reporters on Thursday after the SUNS’ 21-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

“Jack Bowes started really well we thought. He fatigued a bit in the end.

“Jesse Joyce I thought played really well, especially first half.

“[Brayden] Fiorini probably struggled a little bit. Ran really hard but again I think he tired.

“A lot of the younger players in the competition either fatigue gets them in a game when it’s high intensity which it was today. It was played at a very fast pace I thought, and the opposition and sometimes kids hit the wall at six or eight games in. When you’ve had multiple pre-seasons it certainly helps.”

As well as the 24 that faced the Western Bulldogs, Sean Lemmens (hamstring) and Jesse Lonergan (quad) will also come into consideration for round one, with their performances in Saturday’s NEAFL practice match against Aspley to be monitored closely.

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Jesse Joyce’s composed showing across halfback against the Bulldogs also caught the eye of the coaching staff, with the Academy product putting his best foot forward as he looks to secure a round one berth. But Eade and his match committee still have some difficult decisions to make.

“Obviously Sean Lemmens will come into calculations. I thought Jesse Joyce did his chances no harm today. Jesse Lonergan will be considered,” Eade said.

“So there’s probably a couple of spots at least that will probably have to be talked about.”