It didn't take long for his prophecy to eventuate.
Forward Charlie Dixon dropped marks, Alik Magin and Brandon Matera gave out errant handballs and David Swallow kicked straight to Carlton players.
The Suns' younger players looked flustered and lost in the first quarter as Carlton had it all its own way en route to a 119-point win at the Gabba.
"There was a lot of jittery possession, lot of one-handed stuff, lot of handball, just very basic stuff," McKenna said after the Suns' loss.
"It is almost like we are looking at the under-18s for Gold Coast out there, and I think it was just the pressure and nerves of our first game we had to get out of the way."
However, as unflattering as the score was and as stark the gap in skill between the two sides, there was a fair bit to like about Gold Coast's young brigade.
Dixon used his body well in contests and took a couple of strong marks, Harley Bennell managed 17 possessions and a goal and Swallow also had 17 disposals.
"It looked bad on the scoreboard, but throughout the course of the game there was some exciting parts where the boys were able to play our style of football and it looked good, and we know over time it is going to get better and better and better," McKenna said.
Karmichael Hunt was often outsized in contests and was perhaps not as ready for AFL football as McKenna believed, but he was not alone and he will get better with experience.
Then there were the experienced players, Daniel Harris in his 150th game and Michael Rischitelli. They were everywhere in the midfield while Nathan Bock battled bravely in defence.
Gary Ablett was below his usual brilliant standard and perhaps missed the stellar cast of supporting midfielders he had at Geelong. But it was also his first game for the season and so he too will get better.
Carlton coach Brett Ratten predicted the Suns would win matches this season, and although on the evidence of Saturday night's result it does not seem likely, premiership points will follow as these players gain experience.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
