SUNS Senior Coach Stuart Dew concedes his side were handed a harsh lesson when confronted by a rampant Brisbane Lions outfit in QClash18 at the Gabba.

It was a competitive opening quarter but a flurry of goals just prior to half time proved the catalyst for Brisbane to tear the game out of Gold Coast’s reach. 

“Our effort tonight was really, really disappointing but Brisbane are very, very impressive,” Dew said post-match.

“We tried to reset at half time and talked about making sure we reset but they got a couple of quick ones and it was back to where we were just before half time.

“At different times we tried to arrest momentum but nothing worked.

“We shuffled guys around but they just kept coming.”

While there wasn’t much to like about the match, Dew found positives in the way the club’s leaders performed and have conducted themselves this season.

“Our (leaders) have tried hard all year, Wittsy again tonight and Touk did a good job (as well),” Dew said. 

“In terms of their output it was really good but weight of numbers – it was nowhere near enough. 

“We can’t rely on two people against such a quality opposition, you need 18-plus. 

“That was disappointing and I think they’d be looking for some more help.

“They’re also looking at what they can do more and I think that’s been a highlight for them all year, they’re searching to do more for the footy club on and off the field.”

The SUNS take on Hawthorn in Round 22 at Marvel Stadium.