Despite the Lions not having recorded a win in the 2013 season, they did return to form against Adelaide in Brisbane last weekend and McKenna said his Gold Coast SUNS remained on high-alert as the team aims to secure its fourth consecutive win at Metricon Stadium.
“While 0-2 may look bad from a win-loss point of view they’re not playing badly,” said McKenna.
“Last week they actually had more scoring shots but just didn’t kick straight… so we’re under no illusions.”
In a bid to adapt ensure the players were not caught off-guard in the wet conditions expected for tomorrow night, the senior squad trained under the lights of Metricon Stadium on Wednesday night - adding another dimension to this week’s training preparation.
“We trained Wednesday night and tested the artificial light to the natural light… and also the moisture from the rain,” McKenna said.
“The players seem to be up and about so it probably came at a good time for us.”
Goal sneak Brandon Matera is confident his side can do some damage on the scoreboard leading into tomorrow’s highly-anticipated QCLASH contest.
“They’ve obviously lost the last two so it’s going to be a tough game because they’re going to be coming out hard,” said Matera.
“If we play consistent footy this week and the efforts are there then I reckon we have a pretty good chance to win.”
As has been his stance for much of the NAB Cup and opening premiership rounds, McKenna said the player’s ability to compete for four quarters would determine which side secured the four premiership points and AFL bragging rights across the Queensland.
“We need to focus on the basics and make sure we continue to compete… the more times we do that the more chance we give ourselves of winning,” McKenna said.
“Quarter-by-quarter, week-by-week… that’s the approach we have to take.”
