Defence best form of attack for Coast

SUNS assistant Andy Lovell says any incoming senior coach should take Gold Coast’s new gritty defensivestyle game plan beyond the final games and into the future.

Gold Coast have adopted a tough and ugly style game under interim coach Dean Solomon in the past two weeks following the exit of former coach Rodney Eade in a bid to instigate change and improve the playing group.

Lovell said the club should continue to pursue the new way of playing even when a new coach is at the helm.

“We acknowledge that it’s a brand of footy that stands up in finals,” Lovell said.

“History shows that those teams that have been really consistent at winning grand finals and finals – the Sydney Swans, Hawthorn and Geelong footy club over a long period of time – they play a similar brand, that’s the brand we think we need to play.”

Lovell has no interest in applying for the top job but he said Solomon was qualified.

“He can certainly coach and he is capable of being a senior coach at some point in time,” Lovell said.

“He has done a terrific job so far in galvanising the group and taking them forward in the past couple of weeks.”

Gold Coast will play their final game of the year on Saturday against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

Lovell said star midfielder Gary Ablett is still a chance to return from a hamstring injury for the Round 23 game.

“He will have a test,” Lovell said.

“His intent is still really strong to play as it has been all the way through.

“He did some training and some running last week. We will follow that protocol and see where it takes us.

“In his own mind he is still keen to play and he is doing everything he can to make sure he gets himself right. We will know more further in the week.”