GOLD Coast has copped three floggings in succession, but ahead of another stiff task against Adelaide on Saturday, coach Rodney Eade says it's not from a lack of effort.
The Suns have been beaten by a combined 284 points in losses to Geelong, Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney, but Eade says the attitude of his players has been good.
He has described their current injury toll as "worse than it's ever been" with captain Gary Ablett (concussion), Aaron Hall (shoulder) and Touk Miller (ankle) all ruled out from last week.
Match preview: Gold Coast v Adelaide
"Some people were critical of effort last week, but GPS showed it was the highest volume covered and the highest speed covered," Eade said.
"I know people were sneering a bit, but I thought generally the effort for 75-80 per cent was OK.
"They did try.
"I think people have got to not confuse mistakes and being beaten with effort.
"Sometimes it was just talent. Sometimes they'd (Suns) make a mistake and stop.
"I don't think generally they've given up."
Jack Leslie's (ankle) late withdrawal on Friday means the Suns will have just five listed players in their reserves team on Saturday.
It is reminiscent of the second half of last season when the Suns regularly had 30 players or less to choose from.
Eade said the spirit of his players was still high.
"That might turn by quarter-time if the opposition get a break, but we've just got to hang in there," he said.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel, the troops will come back.
"I'm very positive and confident we can turn this around pretty quickly."
Suspended fullback Steven May will return next week, while Ablett, Hall, Miller, Rory Thompson and Trent McKenzie are all likely to be available.
