The Gold Coast Football Club's top four aspirations have taken a hit following a 14-point loss to a determined North Ballarat Rebels outfit in the TAC Cup today.

Played in arctic conditions in Ballarat, the GCFC were simply outplayed by a hungrier and more desperate opponent. North Ballarat were committed and disciplined, while the Coast played this way only in patches.

A lack of accountability proved costly, especially during the third term when the Coast allowed North Ballarat to kick three goals to one to set up the win.

Down by 22 at the last change, GCFC coach Guy McKenna called for a big final term and urged them to play tough, disciplined football. They were a lot better in the final term but could not close in on the Rebels to go down 8-14 (62) to 7-6 (48).

"The work rate was there but we just struggled a bit with our structure at times and it cost us the game really," said McKenna.

"Our set ups at the stoppages were disappointing. Not so much at the stoppages but our set up in front of the ball and behind the ball.

"There were a few boys who were just a bit too greedy to be a part of the action as opposed to playing their role."

Luke Shreeve, who is in year 12 and the youngest member of the squad, made his return from injury following a long stint on the boundary with stress fractures. But he proved he has lost nothing to be one of the GCFC's best against the Rebels. He is a very smart player around goal and kicked three goals to be the Coast's leading goalkicker on the day.

Spearhead Matt Fowler kicked two goals while Rex Liddy and Alik Magin kicked singles. Vice captain Charlie Dixon did not kick a goal but impressed with his work rate. Todd Grayson was influential, while Ryan Thomson and Damien Steven were also busy. Jake Crawford and Mitch Harley down back could also hold their head up high.

By Nick Smart, courtesy of Gold Coast Bulletin.