GOLD Coast players have eyeballed each other in a team meeting full of honest feedback as they attempt to turn around their misfiring season.
Following Saturday's 66-point loss to Greater Western Sydney – their fourth loss in succession – Suns players met on Monday to critique each other and dish out some home truths.
It's the type of meeting that has happened sparingly in the club's short existence.
Young leader Tom Lynch said giving feedback to peers was an area the club had identified needed improving.
"You've got to give honest feedback, but at the end of the day we've got to go out and do it on the weekend," Lynch said on Tuesday morning.
"There's no point Monday to Friday talking about it and then not doing it.
"I think the meeting was productive. I'm sure we'll turn it around this week."
The Suns were dealt a double blow ahead of Saturday's QClash against fellow winless team the Brisbane Lions, with news that combative midfielder David Swallow (knee) and All Australian half-back Nick Malceski (knee) would both be unavailable.
Midfielder Dion Prestia, who is also in the leadership group, said the Suns had to remain united following the poor loss against the Giants.
"There were a lot of times where boys missed tackles and maybe shirked the issue a bit," Prestia said.
"There were a couple of unacceptable efforts, and the leaders were bought up in that as well.
"There was a couple of efforts with us where we got whacked by the playing group, which is what we need. They have high expectations of us just like we have of them.
"All we can do is keep challenging the boys to bring the effort.
"It might be a bit hard to tell your mate they're doing something wrong, but I think we're all pretty close and take it on board."
Jarrod Harbrow is a chance of returning from a shoulder injury that has kept him out for two matches, while fourth-year defender Henry Schade is almost certain to make his debut.