By Michael Whiting

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna says he expects next season to be even tougher than the Suns' first.

Speaking after the GC SUNS nine-point loss to Hawthorn, McKenna said the loss against the third-placed Hawks was Gold Coast's best four-quarter performance of the season and a great way to finish their inaugural campaign.

He said they could now attack the pre-season and expect big improvements in 2012.

"In essence it was our best four quarter performance," McKenna said.

"I think we've shown enough to know that some of these boys have grown into men and they'll be able to play a full season like the senior players and that's the exciting thing going forward, but I can't fault their effort for the whole season.

"Today in round 24 to put in that effort you can't help but be proud."

He said while the GC SUNS would undoubtedly improve next season, so would their opponents.

Despite winning just three matches, he predicted it to be tougher in 2012.

"They've had a year of looking at Zac Smith, Trent McKenzie, Dion Prestia, Harley Bennell and the opposition can work out their strengths and weaknesses," he said.

"But we should be excited about the pre-season and attacking it. We could be looking at 15 to 20 per cent gains in some boys.

"We can put them through a torturous pre-season because these kids can tolerate the load. I think mentally we'll be able to run the games out better.

"The downside is the competition has seen us for 12 months, so they'll work out our strengths and weaknesses for sure."

McKenna said the GC SUNS youngsters were not the only ones that would improve next season and predicted that despite a 43-disposal finish, captain Gary Ablett could also get better with a full pre-season under his belt.

He also praised No.2 NAB AFL Draft pick Harley Bennell, who finished the season strongly after some mid-season wobbles.

Bennell suffered a bout of homesickness and endured a club suspension for staying at his Western Australian home for two days longer than he was allocated.

"This is about Harley buying in and digging his toes in and the second half of the season has been a real swing around and we're very excited," McKenna said.

"Today he delivered in his trust and the players understand what talent he has and you back that up with his work-rate and character, I’m sure he's going to reap some very good rewards."