THE GOLD Coast cupboard is just about bare and there's no end to the injury plight facing coach Rodney Eade.

It's become so bad for the Suns that defender Adam Saad was forced to take the field against Greater Western Sydney despite feeling a twinge in his hamstring in the pre-match warm-up.

The Suns played one man short in the NEAFL and with two of their senior emergencies – Danny Stanley and Luke Russell – injured in the reserves game, and the other – Henry Schade – called up to replace Peter Wright, Saad played in his side's 91-point loss at Spotless Stadium, but is likely to miss multiple games after aggravating the injury.

WATCH Rodney Eade's full press conference

Gold Coast are already missing Jaeger O'Meara, David Swallow, Michael Rischitelli, Matt Rosa, Trent McKenzie and Rory Thompson, and Eade said after the loss that it's a familiar position he finds himself in.

"I said before this game that it was probably not like last year in that we thought we'd get players back," Eade said.

"Last year we knew they weren't coming back.

"Some troops will return but we're losing more on the run as well.

"I thought this was the low ebb, but with more today, next week might be the low ebb."

To make matters worse star skipper Gary Ablett was left dazed after copping a head knock seconds before the final siren, and ruckman Tom Nicholls was also left slightly concussed.

Eade said watching his Giants go about their business certainly made him envious of their depth.

The Suns coach couldn't help but comment on the Giants' academy and in particular, their access to the traditionally talent-rich Riverina region.

"I think the academies are great," he said.

"I'd certainly like to have GWS' academy where it's a footy area and there's some real talent out of that, but that's good luck to them.

Five talking points: Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast

Giants coach Leon Cameron wouldn't buy into the talk that his side can win the flag in 2016, but Eade gave the winners a ringing endorsement.

"I think GWS are terrific," he said.

"Geelong are a good side and belted us, but there's no reason GWS can't be there at the end.

"I'm really impressed with what they do, the way they go about it.

"They've got the right amount of grunt but they can really run, they've got some real good runners (and) a dangerous forward line.

"People in Melbourne would say they'll make the finals but I think they'll go further than that, I think they'll really challenge."