Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna has more important things on his plate than trying to help the AFL promote this week's big clash with Brisbane.

The Suns have endured a roller-coaster start to their first season, upsetting Port Adelaide in round five then being thrashed by 139 points by Essendon on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

The Bombers slammed on 15.4 (94) to Gold Coast's single behind in the first term, an AFL record for highest-scoring opening quarter.

In the end, the Bombers tallied their third-highest score, 31.11 (197) to Gold Coast's 8.10 (58).

McKenna could find few positives for his side, apart from their ability to re-focus at quarter-time and outscore the Bombers 5.2 to 3.0 in the second term.

"We're going to have to try to promote it as best we can," McKenna said of Saturday night's game at the Gabba between the win-less Lions and the struggling Suns.

"But from our initial thoughts, it's about our coaching group keeping our head and focus on our group and getting them up for this game as best we can.

"I do apologise to everyone who's looking to crank the game up.

"We just need to get back to the basics.

"I'm sure from the mental side of things that shouldn't be too hard because of the rivalry that's going to start this Saturday."

McKenna said the reality of the competition's harsh nature had hit his young team.

"If you win a quarter (the second term) in amongst that mayhem, it just says to me the mental side of our game needs to be addressed," he said.

"It's a wake-up call for the boys to understand how brutal this game is and how quickly you have to move on.

"To turn it around in the second quarter like we did and then probably fall away in the second half like we did is unacceptable so we look forward to Brisbane on Saturday."

McKenna said teenager Josh Toy, who was embarrassed by Essendon's eight-goal forward Kyle Reimers, would not be down for long.

"It's a nasty message for him today and I'm sure it's going to leave a nasty taste in his mouth," McKenna said.

"I know Josh and I know what he's like and I know what his spirit's like. I just fear for the Brisbane bloke he's going to play on next week."

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