The Gold Coast SUNS have made four changes to the side that was overrun by the Western Bulldogs in Cairns last weekend, with key forward Charlie Dixon the glaring absentee after the club decided to err on the side of caution with their attacking weapon.



Dixon joins star midfielder David Swallow as the major exclusions from Saturday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney at Metricon Stadium, along with Seb Tape (hamstring) and Sean Lemmens (omitted).



Last year’s best and fairest winner, Swallow, re-aggravated the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee which will force him to miss the remainder of the season, joining an embarrassment of midfield riches on the sidelines alongside Jaeger O’Meara (patella tendon) and Dion Prestia (meniscus).



Ruckman Zac Smith headlines a quadrella of inclusions, which is also includes last year’s pick No. 8 Peter Wright, versatile defender Clay Cameron and mature-aged rookie Josh Glenn.



After being dropped following Gold Coast’s 15-goal loss to the West Coast Eagles in round seven, Smith has been rewarded for consistent, strong showings in the NEAFL with a spot in Rodney Eade’s side.



“He’s probably been unfortunate because we generally only play the one ruckman, and Tom Nicholls has been playing well. But Zac’s form has been irresistible really – he’s had five really good games,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday afternoon.



Wright earned a taste of senior football between rounds 10 and 11, and since returning to the reserves, the 19-year-old has taken another step forward in his development.



The Victorian has kicked 13 goals in the last three weeks, including a haul of six a fortnight ago, with Eade encouraged by Wright’s development since being exposed to the game at the highest level.



“His form the last three weeks has been very encouraging. He’s kicked goals, he’s taken some really good marks,” Eade said.



“Generally tall players take awhile to develop, so we’re not expecting huge things from Pete, but he’s certainly deserved his opportunity.



“Obviously with Charlie out - hopefully it’s only one week - but with Pete playing well, there’s no reason why we can’t play three tall forwards (in the future).”



Eade revealed that Dixon, the leading goal kicker at Metricon Stadium this season, could have played against the Giants, but the risk of further injury was too great, so the club decided to take a more cautious approach.



“Charlie came back exceptionally well. He’s probably been questioned over his total professionalism, but his ankle blew up enormously after the game, but he iced it Saturday and Sunday night and gave himself an opportunity to play,” Eade said.



“He probably could have played, but then there’s no guarantee that he wouldn’t hurt it again and that would put him back. So we thought we’d err on the side of caution, so Charlie will be right next week.”