RODNEY Eade has the need for speed.
Since taking over the reins as Suns coach a little over three months ago, Eade has preached his desire to play quick football.
Play-on at any chance, move the ball swiftly and don't stagnate.
On Wednesday he got his first semi-competitive glimpse into the adjusted game-plan, as the Suns completed an intraclub hit-out.
It was only a glimpse though, with Gary Ablett (shoulder), Jaeger O'Meara (knees), Rory Thompson (toe), Steven May (knee), Sam Day (calf), Tom Nicholls (ill) and Charlie Dixon (ankle) watching from the sidelines.
Throw in Jarrod Harbrow, Jack Martin and Sean Lemmens among those contesting Friday night's AFL Indigenous All Stars match, and there was almost half a team of regular starters unavailable.
Regardless of personnel though, Eade wants the Suns to play his up-tempo brand, and says there is plenty to work on.
"We want quicker ball movement," Eade said.
"I think the scores have shown, especially last year, they're trending down. If you don't try and score, you're going to get blocked up because the defensive mechanisms of teams are pretty good, so we've got to be able to score.”
Eade said there were positive and negative elements to Wednesday’s intraclub.
"At times I was a little bit disappointed,” he said.
"I thought we slowed it down a bit too much at times. Maybe it was the heat. Certain individuals are starting to hatch the ball and not take the game on.
"I think that'll take time for us to get to where we want to get to, but it's pleasing they're getting the hang of it."
Tom Lynch starred in the first half, kicking three goals before resting up.
Harley Bennell was the best midfielder, winning clearances and hitting targets at will, while Nick Malceski looked right at home marshalling the backline.
Hawthorn recruit Mitch Hallahan became more involved as the game wore on, winning plenty of ball, while Queenslander Alex Sexton put in an eye-catching performance with his clean skills and acceleration.
Eade said although the Suns would likely have just 34 fit players to pick from for their first NAB Challenge match against Geelong on March 1, the Suns would be close to full strength the following week against GWS.
Meanwhile, Eade said ruckman Daniel Gorringe was set to be played through the midfield in a utility role similar to that of Port's roving tall Justin Westhoff.
Daniel Gorringe works hard during a gym session earlier this summer. Picture: AFL Media
With Zac Smith, Tom Nicholls and Charlie Dixon well ahead of him in Gold Coast's ruck pecking order, the 199cm Gorringe was played on the wing during Wednesday’s intraclub.
Eade said the 22-year-old could expect to play "multiple positions" this season, just like Westhoff does to damaging effect for Port Adelaide.
"Having a utility who's got some talent like that is very rare in the competition," Eade said.
"Westhoff can do it, but there's not many who can play multiple positions at that height.
"If we can train him up, it just gives us a big advantage.
"We're going to try him (in midfield) at stages.
"He can play tall forward - not the tallest forward, not as in the Dixon/Lynch mould, but certainly our third tall.
"He can give us coverage in the ruck, he's a very good athlete so he can play on the wing ... (and) maybe as a third tall defender."
