The Suns have won just one of their four pre-season matches entering Saturday's final hit-out against Melbourne at Southport where they will feature captain Gary Ablett along with Karmichael Hunt.
They will field a full strength team, and Riley said he expected an improvement on the previous fortnight's showings against North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans.
Against the Kangaroos in Townsville, Gold Coast trailed by eight goals before a final quarter flourish brought it back to 13 points, while the Suns never trouble the Swans, losing by 36 points at Blacktown.
Riley said anyone thinking Gold Coast would make a rapid ascent was off the mark.
"It doesn't happen overnight. We know we're in a tough competition, we know what's required," Riley said.
"There's no panacea. There's no quick fix, Band-Aid, go to the medical cabinet (scenario). You have to work hard, winning the ball, turning the ball over, keeping it in our front half, taking marks in the forward line when they come to you.
"It's not rocket science."
Riley said the Suns had been guilty of playing just three quarters of good football in the past two weeks, and were being badly punished in the other.
There will be few excuses against the Demons on Saturday, as Gold Coast will recall rested captain Gary Ablett and hardened midfielder Karmichael Hunt in a best available team.
"This is a full blown hit out and they'll be going hard," Riley said.
"(We need) a more sustained effort. Let's grow it from three quarters to three-and-a-half to four."
Riley said there were still "five or six" spots up for grabs prior to round one.
The ruck battle between Zac Smith and Charlie Dixon, along with the fight for half forward spots, appear to be the most hotly contested.
Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
