GOALKICKING practise is on Gold Coast's agenda this week after inaccuracy almost cost it victory against Melbourne on Sunday.
The wayward Suns dominated for large chunks of the match at the MCG but could never shake the dogged Demons.
The visitors led by 20 points at half-time and eventually won by eight points, but could have put the game to bed much earlier if it wasn't for some poor kicking.
Gold Coast finished with 12.20, and had 11 different players miss shots at the big sticks.
Small forward Brandon Matera – who was one of the main culprits, kicking 2.3 – said it was an area the Suns had to work on ahead of Saturday's home match against Greater Western Sydney.
"If we kicked a bit straighter we could have put them away a bit earlier," Matera said at Monday's recovery session.
"I don't think the boys had the right boots on ... to kick 20 points, we had a lot of opportunities inside 50 where we should have kicked a bit better.
"It was good to get the ball there and have the shots - we've just got to convert now."
Key forwards Sam Day and Tom Lynch both took several strong marks inside the forward 50, but were guilty of missing set shots, as was prolific midfielder David Swallow.
It took captain Gary Ablett and experienced defender Greg Broughton to secure the four points with clutch goals late in the last quarter.
Matera was terrific on return from a one-match suspension and said once the Suns missed a couple of shots, the rot set in.
"We'll work on it this week and hopefully kick straight against the Giants," he said.
"I think it's just taking your time and going through your routine - just focusing when you're having a shot."
