THE Cannon has been fired.

Trent McKenzie’s moment of truth has arrived after the talented utility was left out of the Suns’ first NAB Challenge game against the Lions.

Gold Coast picked their best available side for Sunday’s game at Burpengary and have given the man with the superboot a supersized boot in the backside.

The Suns will open their NAB Challenge campaign without their four best midfielders, missing captain Gary Ablett (foot) and David Swallow, Dion Prestia and Jaeger O’Meara to knee injuries.

Round 18

All four suffered serious injuries last season and managed only 20 games between them.

Other first choice players to miss are Jarrod Harbrow and Adam Saad while Jack Martin has been named but may be a late withdrawal with a back complaint.

The absence of fully-fit McKenzie, who is second on the Suns’ games record list with 92, is most significant.

The third tall or mid-sized defender is a problem area for the Suns and still McKenzie cannot get a game.

The 23-year-old played every week until the arrival of Rodney Eade but managed only 15 games last season.

His raking left boot is a weapon but he lets himself down with a poor work ethic.

It is understood he has been told by the match committee he will not be picked this year, regardless of what injuries may occur, unless he is prepared to run harder.

Trent McKenzie unleashes a drop punt. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: News Corp Australia

In last week’s intra-club he played on Clay Cameron, who was used out of position at half forward, and was well beaten.

Cameron earned a game in attack on the strength of that hit-out.

Despite once again running out without a first choice midfield, Eade said the Suns were in a better position than last year.

Ablett and Prestia only have slight niggles. The skipper will play the final pre-season game while Prestia may travel to Perth next week.

Swallow has an outside chance to play the final NAB Challenge game while O’Meara is expected to make his return through the NEAFL.

Brisbane have picked an even less experienced side.

“We’re not really worried about the opposition as such, that’ll be the same with all the NAB,’’ Eade said. “It’s more about us, about individuals getting some form, the way we’ve been training the last three months, things we’ve been trying to put into practice.

“There is still a fair bit of work to do but the signs at the moment, we seem to be taking some steps forward, but the next three or four weeks will tell more.’’