A second quarter lapse by the SUNS NEAFL side has cost them dearly in their clash with the Brisbane Lions at H&A Oval, Broadbeach on Saturday.

After an arm wrestle in the first quarter, where the SUNS kicked the only goal of the quarter, the SUNS conceded seven unanswered goals to trail by 39 points at half time.

The SUNS did manage to outscore the Lions in the second half, but the damage had been done as the Lions won by 22 points, 10.12 (72) to 7.8 (50).

Coach Shaun Hart said he couldn't question his side effort, but rued their use of the footy.

"It was a really good contest, and our guys effort was close to what we were asking for, but we just butchered the ball," he said.

"We just couldn't use the ball well and didn't move the ball quick enough forward."

"We ended up with about eighty tackles and our contested possession was pretty good as well."

"Their (Brisbane Lions) offensive and defensive spread and they took their opportunities."

"They are a very good side, on top of their game and playing very well."

Hart was delighted with the form of young ruckman Josh Hall, who continues his rapid development.

"The guy has only played a year of footy, coming from a high jumping background. He was outstanding and continues to improve and it was his best game up against real serious opposition."

Hart was also pleased with the output of Charlie Dixon on return from injury, and Matt Shaw after coming back from the senior team.

"Charlie Dixon and Matt Shaw were both very good as well. Dicko in the ruck and up forward, and Shaw as a run and carry player through the midield got us a lot of yards and used the ball pretty well."

It was costly loss for the SUNS (6 wins, 5 losses), as they have now dropped out of the top five heading into the bye.

And it doesn't get any easier as they prepare to head to Darwin to take on the third placed Northern Territory Thunder following the bye.

Hart said the Territory represented a massive challenge.

"No it doesn't (get much tougher than that)," he said.

"I think we had the game in our hands up there at three quarter time last year but we just couldn't finish it off."

"I think we are capable, they are a very good side but we just need to prepare right and get ourselves back on the winners list in a fortnights time."

GOLD COAST SUNS 1.1 1.3 5.7 7.8 (50)
BRISBANE LIONS 0.2 7.6 8.9 10.12 (72)

GOALS: Brian Coleman-Broome 2, Josh Hall 2, Charlie Dixon, Jacob Gillbee, Josh Wagner.
BEST: Josh Hall, Matthew Shaw, Charlie Dixon, Andrew McQualter, Steven May, Henry Schade.