As the Gold Coast SUNS prepare for their upcoming clash against Hawthorn this Wednesday, Head Coach Cameron Joyce reflects on the team's journey and their determination to build momentum after a rocky start to the season.

Joyce highlighted the significance of balancing recovery with preparation, particularly in the middle of the club’s condensed fixture after a narrow loss last Friday.

"Being able to flick the on and off switch has been important, and I think we found a reasonable balance,” Joyce said.

"(We’ve tried) to find that balance between having some downtime for the players and staff and then getting ready for the game.

“Playing games is now substituting for training, and the ability to turn around quickly is always good especially after a close loss.”

The team has had three of their five games decided by three points or less and Joyce recognised the team is navigating small margins.

Still, the Head Coach remains confident in the SUNS' ability to learn from these experiences and progress.

"I thought across the four quarters, our intent and effort was really high,” Joyce said.

“We played a style of game that's more sustainable, especially going forward.

"We want to capitalize on more opportunities and hit the scoreboard because we're certainly able to restrict at the other end."

A bright patch of the season so far has been the emergence of the club’s young players, including recent debutants Keely Fullerton, Kiara Bischa and Annabel Kievit, with the club’s fifth debutant Taya Oliver debuting this week.

Joyce said the team remained focused on continual development and improvement.

"We're process-driven, but at the same time, we're chasing a win,” Joyce said.

“We're firmly focused on earning that right.

“We think there’s still growth within the team. We need to keep evolving our journey as a team that is going to be able compete against the best.”

The SUNS face the Hawks at Kinetic Stadium on Wednesday evening, with first bounce at 5:15pm.