ONE MODERN-DAY powerhouse down, two to go.
Gold Coast’s 40-point victory over Geelong on Saturday evening was the best of the Suns' four-year existence, but coach Guy McKenna says his team have to play better in their tough next fortnight.
The Suns face reigning premier Hawthorn Launceston next Saturday, with a clash with Collingwood to come the following week.
The Hawks demolished the upstart Suns by 99 points in round four.
However, McKenna said the Suns would be full of confidence after snapping a three-game losing streak in emphatic fashion at Metricon Stadium.
"We got to play a finals-type side tonight and we got a result, which was fantastic," McKenna said after the win.
"I'm sure the boys will come away from this weekend saying, "hey we just knocked over a modern-day powerhouse of a football club", so we get some confidence out of that and take that into another powerhouse next week, and after that, there's another powerhouse (Collingwood) waiting for us.
"You'd much prefer going into those games on the back of wins rather than losses."
Gold Coast was brilliant after half-time, kicking 11 of the final 13 goals to solidify its position in the top eight.
The Suns won most statistical categories, including disposals (358-355), clearances (41-29), inside 50s (60-43), contested possessions (139-133) and tackles (66-53).
McKenna said the upset win balanced out last week's disappointing three-point loss to West Coast, adding that playing the Hawks would be a good measure of Gold Coast’s improvement.
"To beat Geelong is a great experience for the lads," he said.
"I have to milk that as much as I can going into that game next week against Hawthorn because you come up against an equally talented, hard, drilled, premiership contending side.
"We're going to have to play better again next week."
McKenna said he was unsure of the extent of Brandon Matera's groin injury, but was hopeful he would be available to play the Hawks.
