• Who plays who in week one of the finals?

RODNEY Eade has downplayed the significance of losing Jaeger O'Meara, describing commentary surrounding the announcement of his departure as "hysteria".

O'Meara sent waves rippling through the AFL with news on Thursday he wanted out after five seasons at the Suns, but Eade said the club would move on.

The veteran coach wasn't sure what all the fuss was about, saying he hadn't coached the former Rising Star winner in his two years at the club.

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"Footy clubs move on," Eade said.

"There's a bit of hysteria, especially in the media.

"He's a player and he's going, wants to go, doesn't mean he'll get to where he wants to go.

"Then there's an option he might be staying, I don't know.

"Footy clubs are fantastic places, they just move on.

"I don't know what the hysteria is. He's gone or going, we'll find someone else."

Five talking points: Gold Coast v Port Adelaide

Eade said despite O'Meara's decision and the likely departure of Dion Prestia, he was confident the Suns would have a strong midfield in 2017 and would push for finals. 

Captain Gary Ablett will return from shoulder surgery, while David Swallow should also be right after missing this season with knee problems.

Eade said veteran Michael Rischitelli would likely be available by May after his ACL surgery went better than expected.

Despite his optimism, the coach conceded Gold Coast needed more midfield depth.

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

"That will be a priority in our trading, that's what we need. If we're getting players in from other clubs, we need to get players who can play in the midfield," he said.

One player putting his name into the midfield mix for next season is teenager Brayden Fiorini, who had 32 disposals, two goals and 11 tackles in his second game.

Eade said Fiorini’s progress, and the continued development of Touk Miller, gave him confidence the next wave of midfielders was already at the club.

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Despite saying he was generally pleased with the season, Eade said there were some major changes in store.

"I think I've found out more about some players I didn't know enough about who have been here that maybe aren't going to be part of the furniture going forward.

"We've got to be tough, we've got to be ruthless, and we've got to make some decisions."