Jarrod Harbrow says trust in one another will be the key for Gold Coast as it prepares for round one following a spate of annoying short-term injuries.

Confirmation of a broken finger for Aaron Hall has added to the unavailability of Pearce Hanley (shoulder) and Sean Lemmens (hamstring) for the season opener against North Melbourne in Cairns.

READ: Aaron Hall to miss Round One

Power forward Peter Wright (hamstring) is also unlikely.

With dashing defender Adam Saad leaving for Essendon in the off-season, and Hanley missing the first few rounds, Harbrow will be one SUN who is responsible for generating run from the defensive 50.

"We've got to be able to trust whoever plays down back will get the job done," he said.

"Hopefully we'll draw a lot of confidence out of what we've done over the pre-season.

"We'll be right. We've got a lot of trust down there now."

Gold Coast conceded the second-most points of any team in 2017, but through the JLT Community Series showed a willingness to pressure and work hard defensively.

The SUNS gave up just seven goals combined against Geelong and Brisbane, admittedly in heavy, rainy conditions.

"It's really clear what's expected from every player," Harbrow said.

"We know the forwards … how important that pressure is they bring and how it helps every player on the ground.

"We expect them to go to another level in round one."