Gold Coast has improved in recent weeks, but veteran Jarrod Harbrow says the SUNS need to be more desperate to break a 10-game losing streak on Saturday against St Kilda.
Prior to their bye, the SUNS led Richmond midway through the last quarter before fading to a loss, while on Sunday they pushed reigning three-time premier Hawthorn before succumbing by 26-points.
With quality players drip-feeding back from injury, the team has been far more competitive, but the bottom line is Gold Coast hasn't sung its song since round three.
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Despite winning contested football, clearances and tackles against the Hawks, Harbrow said the SUNS were taught a few lessons – lessons he hoped they could implement against the Saints.
"We certainly took it up to them, we out-pressured them, we won all the stats that were important to us … we've still got to learn how to win those games," Harbrow said.
"We've got to want to win those games and be more desperate than what they are."
Gold Coast is expected to regain the services of Jack Martin (back), Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) and Callum Ah Chee (calf) to play the Saints, who are fresh from upsetting Geelong.
Harbrow said returning players in recent weeks had sent a shot of confidence through the team.
READ: Match Preview- SUNS v Saints
"We know if we get all of our players back and we're all healthy and playing to the game plan – it's really important we stick to what the coaches are telling us –those little things add up and are so important," he said.
"If we bring the pressure, hopefully that will set us up for a good second half of the year.
"It's about getting the win and being more desperate than the opposition and wanting to win the game of football."