RODNEY Eade now has his first win in charge of Gold Coast, and the veteran coach admits it's a relief.

But despite the 64-point victory over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night, Eade is not getting carried away and says the Suns need to produce the same level every week.

He was delighted with the response after a difficult week that included a frank discussion between players about what had gone wrong in the winless opening month.

Click here for watch Eade's full press conference

Eade said the effort was outstanding, as Gold Coast dominated contested possessions (159—140) and tackles (92-62).

"I thought the leadership was terrific and I thought their effort was fantastic," he said. "I've just spoken to the players - that's only one week.

"We've got to have that as a baseline.

"It's (a) relief in one way, but win, lose or draw tonight, if we get that effort we can start educating and teaching."

Classy midfielder Harley Bennell was one player who responded to criticism during the week, racking up 31 disposals and two goals in a match-winning performance.

"This week the leaders challenged a few, and Harley was one … and I think it was full credit to him to respond," Eade said.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect for Eade was the forward pressure, with Jack Martin and Touk Miller particularly ferocious around the ball.

Click here for full details and stats from the match

The Suns forced 21 Lions turnovers in their forward half, often capitalising with goals.

"The road we're going to go down might be a bit rocky for a while, but if you teach them the right way, with the calibre of blokes we've got, I think there'll be some blue skies down the track," Eade said.

In a slightly sour note to the win, young forward Jarrod Garlett is expected to miss three to four weeks with a high ankle sprain, while defender Seb Tape (knee) will also be assessed during the week.