RODNEY Eade has described Gold Coast's injury crisis as the worst he's seen during his career, after defenders Rory Thompson and Adam Saad joined the Suns’ growing casualty ward.
Both will be unavailable to play West Coast on Saturday, while forward leader Tom Lynch is also highly doubtful as he tries to overcome a corked calf.
Thompson has aggravated a hip flexor that forced him to miss in round five, while Saad picked up a minor hamstring injury in Saturday night's loss to Adelaide.
The list of those unavailable already includes the likes of Gary Ablett, Jaeger O'Meara, David Swallow, Nick Malceski, Jack Martin and the suspended Steven May.
Eade said it could be argued the club was missing 12 of its best 15 players.
"If it wasn't so bad, you'd be laughing about it all the time," Eade said on Tuesday morning.
"At the moment, we've only got 20 that can train today.
"The injury stick is hitting us. It's not just hitting us, it's bludgeoning us at the moment. I think we're getting smacked.
"Lucky the seconds haven't got a game this week - I'm not being silly, but they'd probably have to forfeit."
There will be some respite for the Suns though, with Eade confirming Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie, Brandon Matera and Danny Stanley would all be considered to play after serving a one-match sanction for breaking club-imposed alcohol rules.
He said the selection committee would have some headaches trying to figure out a way to stop Coleman Medal leader Josh Kennedy.
Not only are primary defenders May and Thompson unavailable, but Sam Day (elbow) and Dan Gorringe (foot) are also missing.
Kennedy has kicked 24 goals in four games against the Suns, including bags of seven and eight last season.
"It's a fairly daunting task for whoever we put down there because Josh Kennedy is obviously in very good form, he's a good player and they play their rucks (forward) as well," Eade said.
"As a match committee we'll have some sleepless nights on that.
"We talk about effort and try and execute the plan as best we can.
"I think you've got to have a winning mindset. If you try not to lose, you are going to lose. There's got to be a plan in place."
