GOLD Coast coach Guy McKenna has put the heat on his young midfielders to stand up and be counted against Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
The Suns were beaten twice by the Crows in 2011, the second defeat a 61-point hiding that saw Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson run roughshod with a remarkable 51 disposals.
Earlier in the week captain Gary Ablett said Gold Coast's midfield was "embarrassed" by the performance.
Prior to his team's final training run on Friday morning, McKenna said his teenage midfielders were ready to step up and help the experienced bodies of Ablett and Michael Rischitelli.
"We've made some structural changes around our stoppages which I think is going to help us defend better," McKenna said.
"We understand there's Scott Thompson, but there's a lot of other dangers in their side as well and we just need to learn to spread the load.
"I think with another 12 months under the boys' belts, the younger kids can step up and not keep relying on our senior players.
"I think some of those younger players - Dion Prestia, David Swallow, Josh Caddy and the like - are ready to step up which is going to help the load through the midfield."
Despite an indifferent pre-season that netted the Suns just one victory, McKenna said they could host the NAB Cup champions with some confidence after a strong last-start showing against the Sydney Swans.
Aside from suspended vice-captain Nathan Bock, Trent McKenzie and Sam Day - both short of match fitness - the Suns are near full strength.
McKenna said he was impressed by Adelaide's pre-season under new coach Brenton Sanderson, but was adamant his team could match them.
"With most footy games it's about owning the footy, controlling the game for longer so the opposition has to adjust to you and that's what this season is about for us, getting on the front foot," he said.
"Winning the night series has been good for them and ours (pre-season) has been indifferent.
"They have to travel, they're a youngish group, a new coach, all those type of things and we'd like to think we can exert some scoreboard pressure on them and obviously some physical pressure on them as well."
Gold Coast went without a win at Metricon Stadium in eight attempts last season.
McKenna said he was comfortable selecting three ruckmen for the match, with Zac Smith to do the primary duties, Daniel Gorringe to play as a key forward, and Tom Hickey coming off the interchange bench.
By Michael Whiting
