Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade expects his team's experienced defenders to step up when they take on Hawthorn in the AFL, without one of their most consistent players.
The Suns confirmed Jarrod Harbrow would not be considered for selection this week after he was charged with driving under the influence on Monday morning, with Eade saying they have the personal to cover his absence.
"Pearce Hanley will be able to take that experienced slot in defence and it will help having Steven May and Kade Kolodjashnij back there also; we've got enough experienced players in defence," Eade said.
The game holds an unusual set of problems for Eade, with almost a full squad to choose from for the first time in his two-and-a-half year tenure at the club.
The veteran coach is considering Jack Bowes or Mackenzie Willis as a replacement for the suspended Harbrow.
The 28-year-old Harbrow could face further punishment after he was charged by Queensland Police for driving with a blood-alcohol reading of 0.108.
Eade has known Harbrow since drafting him to the Western Bulldogs in 2007 and said everyone at the club was shocked when they heard the news.
"The players were disappointed by his actions," Eade said of the player who established a leadership academy to help transition indigenous footballers into the Suns Academy.
"It was a big mistake and a one-off, he's done so much for our community and the indigenous community... he's disappointed and embarrassed across all fronts and is taking it pretty hard, which he should."
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