He’s just dropped one of his best midfielders but Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade denies putting the Suns on notice.

Aaron Hall has been dropped for Sunday’s AFL clash with Richmond at the MCG, paying the price for poor form in the past few weeks.

It’s the highest-profile axing by Eade during his team’s eight-match losing run.

Eade admits Hall is a victim of timing given others could have faced a similar cut in recent weeks but his options were limited due to an injury crisis at the club.

The return of talls Steven May and Rory Thompson as well as defender Trent McKenzie mean Eade can be more ruthless at the selection table, and Hall was the man to make way.

The Suns coach says Hall has been down in multiple areas and needs to get back to basics in the reserves.

“We just feel he needs to go back to rediscover those basics that we talk about and value internally,” Eade said.

“He’s just got to go back and work on those things. He’s certainly in our best side. I don’t think it’ll be long until he gets back.

“We haven’t put a shot across the bow of anyone, it’s just about what we value.”

Eade says the returning trio as well as Matt Rosa and Michael Rischitelli bring experience and competitiveness as well as their talent.

“The last three weeks have been our best through this rough period,” Eade said.

“The bulk of our injuries, apart from our talent, were our combative, competitive players.

“They set a scene and, not only talent, but even doing some heavy lifting in the competitiveness protects the young players as well.”