Rodney Eade slams ‘hysteria’ over Gold Coast Suns Jaeger O’Meara and David Swallow

GOLD Coast coach Rodney Eade has slammed the “hysteria” around injured star Jaeger O’Meara and speculation over David Swallow’s future.

Jaeger O'Meara in action in the NEAFL. Picture: Adam Head

GOLD Coast coach Rodney Eade has slammed the “hysteria” around injured star Jaeger O’Meara and speculation over David Swallow’s future.

The Suns finished a disappointing lose with a 36-point loss to Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

However, the post-match focus was very much on the Suns’ immediate future with O’Meara, Swallow and Dion Prestia being chased by rival clubs.

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Prestia is rumoured to be on his way to Richmond while O’Meara sent shock waves through the AFL this week by requesting a trade to Victoria.

Swallow is contracted for next year but could be tempted by a move to North Melbourne, where his brother Andrew is captain.

Eade downplayed the possible exits, saying it was part and parcel of AFL football.

Jaeger O'Meara wants out. Picture: Adam Head

David Swallow is reportedly unhappy. Picture: David Clark

“Footy clubs move on,” Eade said.

“There’s a bit of hysteria, especially in the media.

“He’s (O’Meara) a player and he’s going, wants to go, doesn’t mean he’ll get to where he wants to go.

“Then there’s an option he might be staying, I don’t know.

“Footy clubs are fantastic places, they just move on.

“I don’t know what the hysteria is. He’s gone or going, we’ll find someone else.”

Eade was similarly bullish on the speculation about Swallow, saying reports were inaccurate and designed to destabilise the club.

“It is a pity someone threw David under the bus,” he said.

“David is embarrassed by it all, David wants to stay, he has told us that four or five times now.

“Obviously someone has an agenda to throw the cat amongst the pigeons.”

Despite the six-win season, Eade believed the Suns could challenge for a place in the finals next year.

The return of captain Gary Ablett and veteran Michael Rischitelli will certainly help that goal.

“I think I’ve found out more about some players I didn’t know enough about who have been here that maybe aren’t going to be part of the furniture going forward,” he said.

“We’ve got to be tough, we’ve got to be ruthless, and we’ve got to make some decisions.”