Western Force coach Richard Graham says his team must learn from their Super Rugby season of heartbreak if they are to turn their fortunes around in 2012.

The Force had blown match-winning positions in six of their nine losses this season, while they were also in the box seat in draws against the Blues and Brumbies.

Their latest heartbreak was a 24-21 loss to Queensland on Saturday night, when Reds' substitute winger Dom Shipperley scored a 78th-minute try to steal victory.

Graham was left a shattered man after the result and conceded his men must improve when the pressure was hottest.

"The only way we're going to get better is to look forward and look for solutions, work out how we can improve our game and how we can get ourselves in situations to win before the 76th minute," Graham said.

"Or in tight games, (we have to work out) how we are going to win and close those out.

"I guess the lesson for us is technique under pressure. It breaks down unless you continue to work under pressure to get it right.

"Those are the sorts of things at the end of the season you hope the players take away.

"The group are a fantastic group, but we have to get better."

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie, who suffered a series of tight losses last year as the Reds just missed out on a dream finals berth, believed the 12th-placed Force were on the right track.

"I've coached plenty of teams that have had small losing margins," McKenzie said.

"It really gives you a different context to the competition. You can be playing well but be a fair way down the ladder. You've just got to work through the critical moments.

"They've really improved, particularly in the back-end of the season. They'll continue to trouble teams. They're a difficult side to play here (in Perth)."

Force skipper Nathan Sharpe underwent scans on his injured ankle on Sunday, after limping off in the 25th minute following an awkward lineout landing.

The 33-year-old has notched a club record 53 straight matches for the Force, but that streak is in danger of being broken, given the short turnaround before Friday night's clash with the Rebels in Melbourne.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP