Saturday’s forceful display against St Kilda was as much about getting back to the basics as it was about revitalising the team’s finals ambitions, says Gold Coast vice-captain Dion Prestia.

“We needed to get back to basics, our past two weeks were pretty disappointing and we wanted to restore our reputation, finals is just another reward if we make it,’’ he said.

“We just have to keep winning, we aren’t going to depend on Collingwood losing or Adelaide losing.

“Everyone thinks about it (finals) I guess, but we just have to come to training with the mentality of cracking in and that’s the same for the games.

“We just want everyone cracking in, being hard and doing their roles and the results will come.’’

Albeit far from convincing, Gold Coast reminded AFL challengers its best football is still capable of packing a powerful punch. The hosts turned it on following the half-time break, kicking 12 goals to the Saints’ five to run away as comfortable 53-point winners.

As well as kicking the winning score, the playing group made good on its inner sanctum promise to get on top of the footy, leading the total disposal count (335-323) and contested possession (140-124).

“They rolled up their sleeves, got their hands dirty and got the result they deserved,” Prestia said.

“I thought we took a great step forward, given where we’d been over the last fortnight.”

While Trent McKenzie’s successful AFL comeback bolstered a side that had sorely missed his rebounding presence out of half-back, Gold Coast could recall another key piece to their back-six should Kade Kolodjashnij be selected to the senior team.

GC SUNS General Manager of Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, confirmed to The Courier Mail the young defender would make a return to football this weekend, but whether that is via the NEAFL is a decision that would be thoroughly reviewed during Match Committee later this week.

“He is due to play so it is just a matter of where and what’s best for him, we certainly want him in the side given the way he has played in the seniors, he has been one of our better players,’’ Ashcroft said.

“The metres gained last week was very poor, Trent’s return really helped us in that area and so would Kade.’’