GOLD Coast coach Rodney Eade says the extra workload on his young players might already be taking a toll.
After getting within 10 points late in the second quarter against Collingwood on Saturday night, the Suns faded badly to lose by 69 points.
Giving up goals late in quarters and late in matches is becoming a habit for Gold Coast.
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Sporting a horrendous injury toll that includes their three best midfielders – Gary Ablett, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara – too much work is falling to too few.
That's not even accounting for being without their two best defenders – Steven May and Rory Thompson – along with All Australian half-back Nick Malceski and exciting half-forward Jack Martin.
Eade says eight rounds into the season, the trickle down effect is hurting the rest of the team.
"The load has been carried by (Touk) Miller and (Kade) Kolodjashnij, blokes who have played one, two or three years - even Rischa (Michael Rischitelli) I think - is that load becoming too much for them?
"And is their not enough weight of numbers to support them?
"If the better players are in, they don't have to carry that load. Touk had a down night tonight, but you can't expect a first year player to carry you every week.
"They have no support around them experience-wise to be able to guide them in those situations to keep their focus and concentration up."
And things will get no easier for the Suns as they face Hawthorn, the Sydney Swans and Fremantle in the next three weeks.
Four-goal forward Charlie Dixon, ruckman Tom Nicholls and half-forward Alex Sexton were positives in the loss.
Dion Prestia (knee) and Trent McKenzie (hip) battled through the match and despite being hampered they will be assessed during the week.
"They're the three best teams in the competition," Eade said of the coming schedule.
"I think we've held together pretty well for such an inexperienced group.
"We've got so many young players looking for guidance. We've just got to hang in there. It will be a test."
