A second quarter lapse against Port Adelaide cost the Gold Coast SUNS an early season victory in Round 4, but a better defensive game will have the Away team firing in with a chance according to GC SUNS Development Coach Shaun Hart.

“We didn’t defend well enough throughout that second period and gave them too many leads at the football with no pressure,” Hart told goldcoastfc.com.au.

“We can’t afford to have that happen again – we need to defend better this week.”

Led by Hamish Hartlett’s 29 disposals and three second-quarter goals, the Power kicked nine goals to the SUNS one after the quarter-time break to establish an unchaseable lead. 

After starting alongside Gary Ablett at the centre bounce, Kane Kornes was let off the chains to run free – the Power champion going on to finish with 35 touches while Travis Boak added 30 disposals of his own.

Hart said it would be up to the SUNS dynamic midfielder leaders to take ownership around the stoppages tomorrow afternoon. 

“Our leaders need to stand up as Port’s leaders have stood up this season,” Hart said.

“Gary Ablett, Jaeger O’Meara, Harley Bennell… these guys need to stand up and lead the way for us.”

But the Power’s recent struggles with the Sherrin may prove damaging for the hard-running opposition, with the South Australian powerhouse now ranked as the worst AFL club in the competition for disposal efficiency. 

“They’re having patches where they are struggling at times so I imagine that is where their vulnerability is this week,” he said.

“We might be able to catch them out over a period a time. They’re going to be a big challenge though so we need to be able to put our best foot forward early in the game.”