The coaching staff have gone “a different tack” in preparing to play Melbourne in Alice Springs on Saturday, Senior Coach Rodney Eade told the media on Thursday.

"We've had some big discussions where the players have given their thoughts and opinions," Eade said.

"We didn't show any edits from the (Port) game, there wasn't any sense in that.

"We've gone a different tack.

"They've trained well this week and we certainly need to bounce back."

Eade said Gold Coast had focused on the "psychological element" rather than the physical in preparing to take on the 11th placed Melbourne.

"It's more about us, getting us right this week,” he said.

"We had a great performance (against Geelong) the week before China, then en masse to deliver what we did … we have to bounce back."

Midfield hard-nut David Swallow will return for round ten from a knee niggle, and as confirmed by goldcoastfc.com.au on Thursday morning draftee Will Brodie will make his debut.

Eade said the SUNS needed more midfield steel.

"We thought our first quarter was poor in the contest, and that's one thing Will does bring," he said.

"He's a real bull at the contest, he's a great contested player.

"As a midfielder he's been playing very well in the NEAFL."