They came out of last night’s clash with Fremantle bruised and battered, but the Gold Coast SUNS’ focus has quickly shifted to recovering for next Saturday’s QClash with Brisbane, according to forward Aaron Hall.

The GC SUNS went toe-to-toe with last year’s grand finalist for three quarters in torrid conditions in Perth before Freo pulled away in the final term, but the team escaped relatively unscathed from the contest with no major injury to report.

Despite the 48-point defeat, Hall said the team will take plenty of positives out of the game.

“We just wanted to try to get out there and assert ourselves early which we did and unfortunately we didn’t come away with the result, but I suppose we can take some positives away from it,” Hall said.

“We’ll do our review tomorrow when we get back to the Coast.

“We’re looking to improve next week and hopefully we can go out next week and win the QClash.”

The SUNS have an extra day to prepare compared to the Lions, but that is offset by the long journey back from the west and the change of time zones.

Hall said recovery will take on extra importance this week as the club seeks to score its first home win over its northern neighbour. 

“Obviously it’s a big trip to come over here and we’ve got a five-hour flight in front of us now.

“It’s imperative we do everything right with our recovery. 

“Obviously we play next Saturday, so all the boys will be getting back to the club; extra ice baths and extra massages this week, as well.”