GOLD Coast coach Damien Hardwick says two team-lifting moments late in Saturday night's win over the Western Bulldogs should be what the SUNS are "built on" going forward.

Having watched a 28-point lead shrink to just three in the blink of an eye, the SUNS had to withstand three tense minutes at TIO Stadium to ward off the fast-finishing Dogs.

They did, thanks to critical contests from Will Graham, Bodhi Uwland and John Noble.

First, it was Graham, who put his body on the line in a marking contest with Ryley Sanders, hit the ground grabbing for his right shoulder, but got up one second later to hurl himself into another contest and tap the ball forward.

Then, with the Bulldogs making one last push in the final minute, Uwland made up ground late to spoil Bailey Dale when it looked like the skilful Dog was about to mark and tear down the wing.

Noble came in to assist at ground level, and three efforts later the ball was going forward for Gold Coast and ending in Ben King's hands as the siren sounded.

"Will Graham, we just showed the bit of vision to the boys," Hardwick said.

"That's what our footy club has to be built on the back of.

"That sort of effort where you hurt you shoulder and give that secondary effort to get that ball forward.

"The guys are getting a great understanding about what's required to play a top four side and hopefully build some confidence and belief as well."

It's the second time this season the SUNS have held on in the dying stages, following the one-point win over Adelaide in round four.

It's a far cry from last season where they lost tight contests to St Kilda, North Melbourne and West Coast when they had chances to win.

"The guys have done a lot of work in that space, the challenge of being in those situations and playing those moments and understanding those moments," Hardwick said.

"Last year we didn't win some of those games and it cost us a bit, but this year we've won a couple of those close ones.

"Noah (Anderson) and his leaders did a wonderful job stabilising the game at the back end."