The formula to dig Gold Coast out of its current slump is pretty simple says SUNS coach Guy McKenna – win the contested ball.

Since losing captain Gary Ablett to a season-ending shoulder injury last month, the young SUNS have lost three of four matches and dropped away horrendously in their contested numbers.

They are still ranked second in the competition (behind Hawthorn) in average clearances, and third (behind the Hawks and Swans) in average contested possessions.

But the past months tells a completely different story.

Against the Western Bulldogs, Brisbane Lions, St Kilda and Carlton they have lost the clearances every time.

Aside from a spike against the Saints, they have also been belted in contested possessions, losing the count by more than 20 to the Bulldogs, Lions and Blues.

"I think the competition would say if you win contested ball you win 80 percent to 100 percent (of the time)," McKenna said.

"Our numbers say we win contested ball, we win the game, simple as that.

"We're under no illusions what's going to win this game for us against Port tomorrow, and that's winning that stat and that stat alone.

"If you don't win the footy, you can't use it. That's what we have to do, keep rolling up our sleeves."

Forward Charlie Dixon has returned earlier than expected from a quad injury, while resolute defender Seb Tape will play his first game of 2014 after a nightmare run of injuries.

McKenna said there was no secret why they were included, because they "compete".

The SUNS coach was confident his young midfield brigade including David Swallow, Dion Prestia and Jaeger O'Meara had enough run left in them to lift for the final three rounds.

A loss against Port Adelaide would spell the end of Gold Coast's finals dreams.

"I wouldn't have thought we're getting tired," he said.

"It's certainly an experience for them to do what they've had to do, and without the experienced bodies in there, Gary, Danny Stanley … Michael Rischitelli.

"Are they tired? I wouldn't like to think they are given the pre-season they've done.

"They might have dropped off, but I wouldn't have thought it's drastic."

McKenna also said he hopes his players can draw inspiration from returning defender Tape.

"Seb Tape, for every game he's played for the Gold Coast SUNS, I don't think he's been best on ground in any of them but he finds a way to win.

"I can guarantee his opponent won't beat him ... he mightn't be the quickest, he mightn't be the most talented but if you picked up the Gold Coast dictionary of competitor, I reckon if most guys shut their eyes, they'd think of him."