Hugh Greenwood admits Saturday’s narrow defeat against Carlton at Metricon Stadium was a hard one to swallow.

Greenwood, who was prolific both with and without the ball on the night, says he felt the SUNS controlled their fair share of proceedings, but lacked the polish needed to get the job done.

“We feel like we’re the better team for the majority of the game, we’re just having trouble executing and finishing them,” Greenwood said post-match.

“I thought we started in our back half and moved the ball quite well, it’s just in that inside-50 and go-zone area in critical parts of the game that ultimately cost us.

“We’re owning it, we feel like we only have ourselves to blame. We’re up for the challenge, we gave ourselves a chance to win, but ultimately we didn’t and that’s what hurts.”

“It’s just been lapses, whether it’s at critical moments or at the end of quarters that let us down and give teams a sniff. Thankfully it’s stuff we feel like we can control, and we don’t feel like we’re too far off it.

Greenwood endeared himself to the SUNS faithful with a fine performance in midfield, racking up 27 disposals, an equal game-high 10 clearances, 18 contested possessions, 10 tackles and a goal.

The 29-year-old was one of a number of players thrust into unfamiliar territory against the Blues, stepping up at times in the ruck, as did Caleb Graham and Chris Burgess.

The midfielder says he’s simply playing his role for the team.

“We had guys step up and play unfamiliar roles. We had a lot of moving pieces and I feel like we adapted really well,” Greenwood said.

“With guys going down it’s up to senior guys to step up and that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m a battler so most of the stuff I do isn’t pretty, but if I can tackle and bring contested footy then that goes a long way to helping us win games.

“It’s not pretty but I’m just trying to play my role for the group.”