GOLD Coast coach Rodney Eade denies his team was complacent in losing to the Brisbane Lions, saying they were simply outplayed.

The Suns lost their first match of the season by 13 points to their Queensland rivals, but Eade conceded it could have been much greater.

WATCH Rodney Eade's full post-match media conference here

The Lions dominated all statistical categories and it was only poor goalkicking that prevented a greater margin.

"I think we got beaten in all facets, all credit to Brisbane," Eade said.

"They played really well. It's an obvious statement, but they deserved to win. Probably should have won by six or seven goals."

Five talking points: Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast

In a long list of grievances, Eade said he was most disappointed with the Suns' contested ball (they lost it 154-132) and the lack of numbers around each contest.

But he denied complacency was a problem against the previously winless Lions.

"I'd like to think not. I had a chat to the guys and they don't think so," he said.

"I'm not sure if they were flat. I don't know. We'll have to dig deeper, make some enquiries and think about it.

"Knowing the guys, it's only 18 months, I wouldn't have thought they'd get ahead of themselves."

Aside from Tom Lynch's five goals and battling performances by Nick Malceski (21 touches), Aaron Hall (26) and Gary Ablett (24), the Suns really struggled.

"The competition is not going to allow you to play lovely footy for four quarters," Eade said.

"We're pleased with the first three weeks with our effort … but our first half was patchy, and our third quarter was abysmal.

"That set the tone and gave them the confidence."