Gold Coast SUNS assistant coach Shaun Hart says the rivalry between the GC SUNS and the Brisbane Lions will grow following Sunday’s hit out at Southport.

“I think we will see a real reflection on what’s happening on the Sunshine Coast with two AFL teams after Sunday’s match and in the lead up to round seven that’s when I think we will really see it ramp up,” Hart told goldcoastfc.com.au

“I don’t think there is anything going on around the Gold Coast footy club that indicates an intense rivalry yet, but it won’t take long.”

Hart said the team was looking forward to ironing out some team structures and game style tactics during the game on Sunday.

“There is a feeling, a real desire to try and improve in some areas and really work a lot harder and understand what it takes to match it against AFL opposition for four quarters,

“We went over to Western Australia and competed pretty well, came back and probably let ourselves down a little bit so I think there is a real desire to turn things around,” Hart said.

The former Brisbane Lions champion said the playing group was learning about the work rate required at senior level and that the team will be in a learning phase for some time yet.

“It’s a reality that we have a year coming up where we aren’t going to be shocked by anything.

“It’s a new thing, with new players without experience and they’re gaining experience week by week and I don’t think you can get experience in them any quicker than by what you can do on the ground.

“Learn the lessons, hope they pick them up and quickly turn them into actions out on the field,” is what Hart is hoping to see throughout the 2011 season.