The Western Bulldogs’ slow start and inability to make the most of their opportunities were to blame for the narrow loss to Gold Coast, according to coach Luke Beveridge.
The Bulldogs dominated the game for large periods on the back of having 18 more inside 50s and 14 more clearances than the Suns.
But they couldn’t make the most of their good work, and went down by five points despite a late charge.
After conceding six of the first eight goals, the Bulldogs kicked the last three of the match. But their run was left too late, despite opportunities to reel the Gold Coast in.
"Week to week it's always going to be that way. I felt like their defenders played really well… they provided good aerial support for their teammates," Beveridge said.
"When we started to challenge that a little bit by using the ball, using angles a little more and being more measured we did create opportunities, but we didn't finish them off.
"There's some frustration there, but you've got to acknowledge their good play as well.
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"I think we've just got to give Gold Coast credit for the way they jumped to it and there was no doubt that we had a handful of lads not playing their best footy in the first quarter and it took us some time to get our composure back.
"We've only got five days to shrug it off and shape up for a game against Collingwood, which isn't a bad thing that short turnaround."
Star Bulldogs defender Jason Johannisen is a chance to return to AFL level for Friday night’s clash with Collingwood, after recovering from a syndesmosis injury.
"He has missed some footy but he's a big chance to come straight back in, we've done that before with him," Beveridge said.
