The Gold Coast SUNS are determined to bounce back a after stutter start to the season, with the team focus on improving and securing a win in their upcoming match in Mackay this weekend.

Key Forward and captain Tara Bohanna spoke frankly about the loss and the team’s mindset and gameplan heading into their next game.

“We had a really good review with the team and in our lines as well," Bohanna said.

"We really just kind of knuckled down on what the main points were. It may seem like from the scoreboard it wasn't like that, but there were a lot of small things that are pretty easy fixes."

Bohanna conceded the SUNS were out played in several aspects of the game; however, she is confident addressing the opening round performance as it will help the SUNS perform in their upcoming match.  

“They just beat us at the back, they beat us at the side, they just got off us on turnovers.”

“It's just about making sure that we get all the little things right and going in with a real hunger to get better.”

While the SUNS get ready to head to Mackay, Bohanna is positive in the team’s ability and mindset to rally behind each other and bounce back after the opening round.

As the SUNS prepare for their match against the Blues who also suffered a loss in the opening round, Bohanna believes both teams will be eager to get the win.

“They're similar to us—they had a loss on the weekend, so they're going to be just as hungry as we are to get the win," Bohanna said.

"That's a kind of exciting spot to be in, where we both really want the win."

With the SUNS returning to Mackay this weekend for a fourth consecutive season,

Bohanna expressed how excited she is for the chance to take AFLW football to North Queensland, an area where the sport is rapidly growing.

“We did a community camp earlier in the year in Mackay, and it was really good to see how much footy is growing up in North Queensland,” Bohanna added.

“The Academy is thriving out there, and it's great to show the fans that they can play at this level too.”

Travel is a familiar part of life for the SUNS season, and Bohanna is enthusiastic about the team’s first trip away for the season.

“We do it every second week, we love it. I love the away trips,” Bohanna said.

“We know what to do when we travel, and that's probably another advantage we have against some of the Victorian teams that don't travel as much.”

Off the field, the SUNS are proud on showcasing the club’s pathways for female staff athletes through its “My Story, Our Story” campaign. Bohanna is thrilled about the initiative, as it shows the unique stories and journeys of women in sport.

“It’s really exciting to see some of the stories,” Bohanna said.

“There’s a lot of women's sports stories, not just players or athletes, but people who work in administration and everything else around that.”

The SUNS will play at Great Barrier Reef this Sunday, September 8^th against Carlton, Gates will open from 12:30pm (AEST) and the game will tip off at 1:05pm. You can stream the match live and on demand on Kayo.