GOLD Coast coach Stuart Dew says his young side remains motivated and in high spirits despite a mounting losing streak leaving the club entrenched near the bottom of the ladder.

The Suns' 42-point loss to Sydney on Saturday was the side's 10th loss in a row, following a positive 3-1 start to the season.

Gold Coast started the game well, trailing by only four points at half time, but were outscored eight goals to two in the second half.

Dew said he was disappointed with his side's second half performance, which he attributed to a drop-off in defensive efforts.

READ: Match Report

"Across the four quarters we tried to be a bit more aggressive with our ball use and some came off, but they really made us pay when it didn’t," Dew said.

"Particularly in the second half, when they were able to punish us on the turnover."

Dew said his side was not putting the cue in the rack despite the growing losing streak and remained motivated and hungry for success. 

"We have to keep cracking in, we have to keep (going) rather than going into our shell, which I don't think we have.

"Our spirit's still high, our motivation and mood's still good, but that's not to say we're sitting there saying 'oh well that's okay'."

"We just have to keep getting to work."

Dew said he took heart from some strong individual performances against the Swans, which served as an indicator the club was not too far off another win.

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He singled out prized draftee Jack Lukosius, who finished with 18 disposals and seven marks in a polished performance.

"I feel like when we compete we're not far from a win, but two quarters won't cut it," Dew said.

"As a footy club, I think we see some great results of individuals as well … I thought (with) Jack Lukosius, it was great to see him play the way he did today.

"He probably doesn't get the credit as much as he should, but he's played all bar one game.

"For an 18-year-old coming in, I thought he showed poise with the ball, he won his one-on-ones … little things we can point to where we're getting better."

Dew also said he was not concerned about the prospect of losing co-captain Jarrod Witts to suspension, after the ruckman collided with young Swan Nick Blakey in the first quarter.

"(Blakey) got a free kick, kicked a goal, played the rest of the game, so that's fine by me I think."