AFL convert Israel Folau should no longer be viewed as a travelling sideshow, says GWS Giants coach Mark Williams.

Folau kicked a goal, had several goal assists and delivered some pinpoint foot passes in heavy traffic during the Giants' 22.17 (149) to 7.10 (52) loss to Gold Coast in the curtain-raiser at Metricon Stadium.

The former Brisbane Bronco started at full forward on Suns defender Jack Hutchins, had a stint in the ruck before being used as a spare man in defence.

Even though he has a contrived and slightly awkward kicking style, Folau's field and goal kicking is extremely effective and he has now bagged 30 goals from 11 matches this season.

Williams said Folau's development has been better than expected and he vastly improved on the last time he played against the Suns in early June.

"He's progressing amazingly," Williams told AAP.

"The last time he played on Hutchins, Izzy only had one or two kicks.

"He went into the ruck, he got some ball up the ground and he had some goal assists as well.

"He's enjoying it, working hard as it and we don't see it as a circus act, as people used to talk about it - like bring out the grand attraction type thing.

"He's part of the group now."

GWS were missing nine of their best 22 players against the Suns and amongst those absent was the side's best midfield combination which limited Folau's supply.

Despite the loss, the Giants will still make the finals which extends Folau's education by a further week at least which partly makes up for him missing the pre-season because of a serious ankle injury.

"It (playing finals) is certainly a bonus to me for my development as I want to play as many games as I can," Folau told AAP.

Funnily, Folau said he was a bit confused when he was told to play "loose" in defence in the third term when the Suns started piling on the goals.

"It was the first time they chucked me down back there for a while and as I haven't been down there since the first few rounds of the year," Folau said.

"I got told to play loose and I was thinking was does that mean. It was certainly new to me."

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