Eade: Suns have more improvements to make

For the first time in their AFL history, Gold Coast have won their opening three fixtures.

But for two of those wins coach Rodney Eade has been far from satisfied.

Eade accused his charges of playing “Twenty20 football” in their season opener against depleted Essendon.

Against winless Carlton, it was his team’s first-half effort that came under fire, despite a convincing 54-point margin at the final siren.

The Suns dominated territory and forward 50 entries, but were only 14 points clear at halftime against the Blues.

It means that while the Suns are now just one victory from last season’s entire haul of four wins, Eade knows improvements have to be made.

“I’m certainly happy, I’m not totally contented,” he said.

“So much room for growth, not only in the way we play, but following instructions totally as we’re going up a level and bringing that effort and intensity.

“We’ve got to learn that, no matter who we play. Whether we play a team whose 18th or a team whose first.

“We were up last week for the whole fight, I didn’t think we were early tonight.”

The Suns face Brisbane next weekend in an all-Queensland clash.

Trent McKenzie (broken nose) will miss the Gabba visit, while Rory Thompson (ankle) is a doubt after leaving Metricon Stadium on crutches.

Eade will at least be boosted by the likely returns of Touk Miller (ankle) and Callum Ah Chee (illness) to take on the Lions as the Suns aim to extend their winning run.