SUNS midfielder Anthony Miles believes the team went away from the game plan in the second half of the match against Sydney, which ultimately cost them an opportunity to pressure the Swans in front of a home crowd.
Speaking to SUNS Media post-match, Miles said the Round 15 match was a tale of two halves for the SUNS.
“It’s the same story as it’s been which is pretty unfortunate, we were really good for a half and then dropped away in the second half,” Miles said.
“It probably goes to show when we play our brand of footy that it matches it with the best.
“They’re a great side and particularly up here they’re a really formidable outfit.
“To take it up to them for a half was fantastic but the second half was really disappointing.
“We dropped away and we’ve got to work on that for sure.”
Miles said there was a silver lining in the loss to the Swans, highlighting the development of the SUNS’ younger players.
“I think Jack Lukosius probably played his best game for the year,” Miles said.
“Brad Scheer came in and played a fantastic role as well.
“To be able to match them for a half was great but we’ve got to be better than that.
“We’ve spoken about it too often now that we’ve got to play four quarters and that’s where we’ve got to get to.”
Gold Coast’s next assignment will be Richmond at Metricon Stadium this Saturday.
The Tigers are Miles’ former club but the midfielder said the focus wouldn’t change heading into the home clash.
“It will be the same again I’d imagine, that four-quarter effort,” he said.
“It starts in and around our contest with our tackle pressure.
“For the first half we were fantastic in and around the contest and I think our game stems from there.
“They probably got hold of us in that area in the second half and that led to the majority of their scores.”