The Gold Coast SUNS' midfield depth will be firmly tested in this weekend’s QClash, with last year’s best and fairest winner David Swallow joining injured stars Gary Ablett and Jaeger O’Meara on the sidelines.
 
With heavy rain infiltrating the Gold Coast in the last couple of days and another deluge on the way, old school wet weather football will greet the ninth edition of the Queensland inter-city rivalry.
 
Dion Prestia and Michael Rischitelli have begun 2015 in an impressive manner with the pair averaging 28.5 possessions per outing, but if the SUNS are going to get over the line they will need a greater spread of support against the Lions.
 
Given the fact Brisbane bat quite deep in the midfield division, with All Australians Tom Rockliff and Dayne Beams leading the way, Rodney Eade and the SUNS midfield will require a full complement of contribution from their engine room.
 
“Obviously three of our best four midfielders (are) out so we are going to have do some things differently. Which we will, will throw some different people through there,” Eade told the media on Friday.
 
“We’re going to have to broaden our depth in there rather than just rely on three or four players on the weekend. The bigger bodies, obviously Dion [Prestia] and 'Risha' [Rischitelli] have bigger bodies.
 
“Josh Glenn’s been in good form in the reserves as well, he’s played in the midfield, he’s got quite a solid body but with the wet weather it’s going to be more applicable.”
 
Eade has fervently demanded an increased effort and appetite for the contest throughout the opening month of the season. And his message remained the same on the eve of Gold Coast’s crucial encounter.
 
With the weather set to be a telling factor on Saturday night, Eade believes the SUNS have chosen players who thrive on the contest. Henry Schade and Josh Glenn will debut, whilst Jesse Lonergan has been recalled for his first senior appearance of the season.
 
“There isn’t anywhere to hide (in the wet) so that sharpens the focus on it. I suppose most teams do it, but you’ve really got to select and actually demand effort and you’ve got to demand contest,” Eade said.
 
“That’s something we’ve spoken about for the last few weeks. We bring some players in who have got form, but also have shown that they’re prepared to hunt the contest. We’ve got two first-gamers and they’ve got form behind them.”