HARLEY Bennell, Brandon Matera and Trent McKenzie will all return to Gold Coast's senior team next week, after starring in the NEAFL on Saturday. 

Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade gave the trio the thumbs up for their response to being dropped for breaching the team's alcohol protocol last weekend.

Bennell had 40 disposals, 10 clearances and kicked two goals to be clearly the best player on ground in the Suns' 14-point win over Southport.

Matera had 24 disposals and three goals, while McKenzie had 18 touches and one goal and showed his desperation with some strong tackling.

While the numbers stacked up well, Eade said it was more the attitude he was impressed with. 

"I could tell at training on Thursday they were engaged, they'd moved on, they trained really well," Eade said. 

"Their performance today was a) pleasing, but b) didn't surprise me after what I saw on Thursday and after talking to them."

WATCH: Rodney Eade's full post-match media conference

Eade said they would all return to play West Coast in Perth next weekend.

"It was always gong to be dependent on how they reacted attitude-wise," he said. 

"They didn't have to be the best players but if they worked hard the way we wanted them to work, they'd be back in next week."

Danny Stanley – who has not played a senior game this season - was also not considered for the top team, but responded strongly, racking up 28 disposals. 

Eade said he was pleased with the performance of his depleted team in the 41-point loss against Adelaide, despite a spate of turnovers and poor skills costing them any realistic chance of victory.

"Our movement going forward as pretty stilted, but when we had a chance we dropped three or four chest marks and kicked it poorly," he said. 

"Some players don't like the responsibility of taking the 50-50 kick or the 60-40 kick. I think it's confidence levels of individuals maybe worried about mistakes at times. We're encouraging them to take the game on."

Dion Prestia was taken off late with a mild concussion, but Eade said it was precautionary and expected him to be fine for next week.