GOLD Coast's Ben Ainsworth spent enough time in defence against state rivals Brisbane to know he's much happier further forward.

The 21-year-old had brief stints in the half-back line against the Lions in the 49-point defeat at Metricon Stadium last Saturday, but don't for a second think it's an indication of a permanent shift.

"I just found myself back there on the weekend – somehow – but I'm comfortable playing on the wing and down forward," Ainsworth said.

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The QClash defeat was the Suns' second heavy loss in a row after an encouraging 3-1 start to the season.

Ainsworth, who missed rounds two and three after injuring his knee in the season opener against St Kilda, had his best performance of the year against the Lions.

He had 21 disposals and two goal assists as well as six inside 50s in the game but, like many of his teammates, faded in the second half as the Lions overran the Suns in the third and fourth quarters.

Coach Stuart Dew was upset by the lack of fight shown by his team and Ainsworth said rediscovering their edge would be a big focus heading into this weekend's clash with premiers West Coast in Perth.

"We went away from the things that worked for us. That's why the margin got to what it was," Ainsworth said.

"We just have to get back our contest, our running ways and perform on the weekend."