Jared Brennan say he’s hoping to build on his promising performance against Brisbane, after the Gold Coaster finished with a handy 21 touches and a team-high three goals at the Gabba on Saturday night. 

 “It felt good to be back out there playing senior footy again, but it would have been great to have come away with the win,” he told goldcoastfc.com.au.

“We definitely let slip a few opportunities against the Lions, and we’ll be look to rectify that when we make the trip up north to play Richmond this week.”

The 28-year-old utility showed why he was Guy McKenna’s ready-made replacement for Gary Ablett after being rushed in on the 11^th hour for the superstar skipper, taking on the Lions’ defence to notch the Gold Coast’s first major after a superb left-foot snap from beyond the 50m mark found the goals. 

McKenna, who praised Brennan in his post-match media press conference, said he hoped the Round 15 clash would be a turning point for the Northern Territorian. 

''He got an opportunity and his performance was very good, he worked on the areas he had to work on and got the rewards, which was fantastic,'' he said.

''I don't think there were any decisions he made that were poor and under pressure he did what he had to with the ball and he finished with three goals.

''Three goals wasn't everything but he was our leading goal scorer and was busy around the stoppages.''

With Ablett likely to be passed fit at Wednesday’s main training session, Brennan says the Gold Coasters are expecting to receive massive confidence booster heading into their North Queensland clash against the Tigers.

But with the Yellow and Black shaping up as genuine finals contender this year, the experienced trooper said the SUNS were in for a fierce showdown. 

“They’re going really well at the moment and certainly have made enough noise this season to suggest they could finish high in the eight,” he said.

“We’re certainly going to have to match it physically with them at every stoppage, so hopefully we can do that.”

“It’s going to be a great test for our boys, but I know we are up for the challenge.”