The Bulldogs coach admitted that at one stage, he considered the idea of playing one or two men short, rather than risking injury to Jason Akermanis, Barry Hall, Shaun Higgins and Brad Johnson who were all suffering from cramp.
“We had six or seven blokes out on their legs - we were going to play with 16 or 17 men in the end,” he said.
Eade was quick to point the effect the previous two matches against Hawthorn and the Brisbane Lions had on his side.
“I think the two six-day breaks - the physical game against Hawthorn, the humidity last week (against the Brisbane Lions) and being back here against a good running team - I thought our players were terrific,” he said.
Eade was thrilled with the way his side answered the challenge he set after their disappointing 22-point loss to the Lions, with an eight-goal to three second half showing the resilience of the group.
“It is a good character group - I think last week was a bit of an anomaly to be honest,” he said.
“We had a couple of injuries last week and the kids were good who stepped in ... (they) re-energised the group.”
Those kids included Jordan Roughead - playing his first game since being taken by the Bulldogs at pick 31 at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft - and key position prospect Jarrad Grant.
Eade said that young duo could provide the ideal support for Barry Hall up forward as the year progressed.
“Roughy should have had two. He looked good, took a couple of marks and I thought his ruck work was pleasing,” he said.
“Jarrad kicked two goals - one was a very smart goal - but I was just pleased with his pressure and his ability to win a 50/50… that’s what we want all our forwards to do.”
