GOLD Coast copped a 126-point hiding at the hands of West Coast little more than a year ago but Suns coach Guy McKenna says it's a distant memory as his young team tries to win at Patersons Stadium for the first time on Saturday afternoon.

Only four points separate the struggling Eagles from the Suns on the ladder and McKenna says his side is primed to rectify last year's result.

"I think we're an eight-goal better side, four goals defensively and four goals offensively," McKenna said in Perth on Friday.

"Six eights are 48; that’s not quite 120 points, but I don't think we'll have the same margin this year.

"I think since that game we've gone through another pre-season, we're a year older, more experiences, we've had probably four blokes play 50 games of football."

McKenna was unconcerned by his side's inconsistent form. After beating Collingwood a fortnight ago, Gold Coast lapsed against the Blues last Saturday, conceding a four-goal start that led to a 43-point loss.

"We've still got a lot to learn," McKenna said.

"We hadn't beaten a top eight side before. I don't think they were over the top.

"Carlton came out and played a real hard brand of football which our boys struggled to meet early.

"You can't give sides in the modern game, even in the old game, a four-goal head start and again you lead into this week with West Coast, they're not going to afford the same luxury."

West Coast has an abysmal record at home this season, losing seven of nine matches at Patersons Stadium.

McKenna believes the team that controls the midfield battle and the supply on the wide expanses of Patersons will come out on top.

"That's certainly where I think the game is going to be won," McKenna said.

"I think the (Bulldogs) showed that last week.

"Over the course of the season, we actually get the ball inside our forward 50 one more time than what West Coast has so that's a good sign."

Both sides are bolstered by some key inclusions. West Coast welcome back Darren Glass, Andrew Embley and Brad Sheppard.

The Suns have included Rory Thompson, Dion Prestia, David Swallow and Daniel Gorringe.