It wasn’t the final result the team were searching for, but Michael Rischitelli is confident Gold Coast can build on Saturday’s inspiring fourth-quarter performance.

“It’s very disappointing, first three quarters just couldn’t get our ball movement right and their ball pressure was better in ours,” he told SUNS TV.

“But in the last quarter we fought back and did everything right as we started to score.

“But when you give up three quarters and have to chase it shows you need to come ready to play.”

The SUNS looked dead and buried after trailing by as much as 39-points in the final term, only to spark an unbelievable scoreboard pursuit.

Guy McKenna’s charges turned the game on its head, kicking six unanswered goals to capture the lead after trailing from mid-way through the opening period.

However, the damage done in the first three quarters proved too much for the SUNS, with Rischitelli conceding a lack of skill execution and wasted opportunity around goals had cost Gold Coast its eighth win for the season and potentially its placing in the top eight.

“It’s one of those things, after you give up three quarters; you have to be mindful, come ready to play.

“We had a few opportunities to kick the goals but unfortunately we missed.”

The veteran vice-captain finished amongst the side’s best in the round thirteen encounter, picking up 15 disposals at 87% efficiency.

He also added five tackles, three marks and two goals, including a crucial major score from a second-quarter forward stoppage.

Rischitelli says the team would now regroup and shift its focus towards Geelong, with the Gold Coast to meet the Cats at Metricon Stadium next week.

“We’ve had a few losses but back on our home deck next week, so hopefully we can rectify that.”