After trailing by 21 points late in the first quarter, the Tigers battled hard to take the lead early in the last before again relinquishing it for good.

 

They had more disposals (406-374), won the clearances (47-30) and had more inside 50s (58-48), but created eight less scoring shots.

 

Hardwick said poor ball use in the forward half was the major reason, and he did not spare his young mids.

 

"The disappointing thing for us is our second-tier mids that didn't stand up," Hardwick said.

 

"I thought I'd get more out of Reece Conca and Brandon Ellis and unfortunately they didn't quite lift their game to the standard that was required.

 

"You look at guys for them such as (Dion) Prestia had a good game, (Michael) Rischitelli as well."

 

Conca had 23 disposals and eight clearances, while Ellis was much quieter with 16 touches.

 

It was left to class duo Trent Cotchin (37) and Brett Deledio (33) to shoulder most of the load.

Hardwick was also upset with his tall forwards who failed to capitalise with the glut of opportunities.

 

He said Jack Riewoldt (one goal) and Ty Vickery (two goals) were "well below their best", but cut them some slack with the poor service.

 

"I thought our ball use inside 50 wasn't to its usual standard. We've got to work on that and rectify that before our round two clash," he said.

 

"I thought we were a six out of 10 tonight. Take nothing away from Gold Coast, their pressure was terrific, they're a much-improved side, we've just got to play a hell of a lot better than what we dished up tonight."

 

Touted as top-eight – and potential top-four – aspirants prior to the season, Hardwick said the first-up defeat was no more significant than any other.

 

"It's disappointing to lose, regardless of whether it's round one or round two. We hate losing footy games," he said.

 

Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting