GOLD Coast was so poor against Port Adelaide in China two weeks ago, coach Rodney Eade said they did not bother to re-watch the game.

Instead, the Suns have gone "a different tack" in preparing to play Melbourne in Alice Springs on Saturday.

"We've had some big discussions where the players have given their thoughts and opinions," Eade said on Thursday.

"We didn't show any edits from the (Port) game, there wasn't any sense in that. 

"We've gone a different tack. 

"They've trained well this week and we certainly need to bounce back."

Eade said Gold Coast had focused on the "psychological element" rather than the physical after the 72-point hiding that left their season at a shaky 3-5.

"I've got answers, but nothing to say publicly," he said.

"It's more about us, getting us right this week. 

"We had a great performance (against Geelong) the week before China, then en masse to deliver what we did … we have to bounce back."

The Suns have a growing injury list, but will make a few changes to play the Demons, including the return of midfield hard-nut David Swallow from a knee niggle, and the debut of Will Brodie.

Brodie's fellow 2016 draftee Jack Bowes will miss with tonsillitis, while defender Rory Thompson – a late withdrawal from the Port game with hamstring tightness – will also be unavailable.

Eade said the Suns needed more midfield steel.

"We thought our first quarter was poor in the contest, and that's one thing Will does bring," he said.

"He's a real bull at the contest, he's a great contested player.

"As a midfielder he's been playing very well in the NEAFL."