The axe has been shelved by Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade – for now.

The Suns mentor says he will give some senior players one more chance to prove their worth in Saturday’s AFL home clash with Melbourne.

Eade admitted he was ready to make an example of some experienced names in the wake of their third straight loss – last round’s humiliating 120-point defeat at Geelong.

But he had a change of heart after a brutally honest review on Monday.

“In my mind, earlier in the week we were going to make a stand with two or three older players, more experienced players,” Eade said.

“But the review went extremely well and we decided to give them another chance.”

Eade said his patience was wearing thin with some players.

“We haven’t made a real stance with selections at this stage, but that’s the ultimate tool you’ve got in your armoury,” he said.

“Some players have some credits which are decreasing but it was a collective voice at the match committee after the review that it (Melbourne clash) was an opportunity to give them a chance to redeem themselves and show what they are worth.”

In the end Eade cut just last week’s debutant Mackenzie Willis and mature aged rookie Ryan Davis.

Trent McKenzie (ankle) was also not considered.

Defender Adam Saad returns from a hip injury, forward Jarrod Garlett plays his first game of the year and Darcy Macpherson makes his AFL debut.

The 10th placed Gold Coast (3-3 record) will hope to bounce back against Melbourne (9th; 3-3) as they fight to stay in touch with the top eight.

Eade said it would not be hard to motivate his team after last week’s horror result.

“You always look for the pride in the guys and it has been there this week,” he said.

“They have taken full responsibility. They were embarrassed about it.”

Former Western Bulldogs defender Jarrod Harbrow will become the first Suns player to play 100 games for the club.

“Usually when there is a milestone I have a talk to the group but he said he didn’t want any of that,” Eade said.

“He is a very humble individual.”