Gold Coast want the AFL's respect

May 9, 2017 - 6:07 AM Gold Coast want the respect of AFL clubs before they start their finals charge for 2017.

Suns co-captain Steven May says their performances haven't warranted the respect of other clubs but a strong win over Geelong last Saturday puts them well on their way.

"We're still trying to earn respect from each club we play," May said.

"Our past performances have not warranted their respect, if we can put consistent performances on the park then we will earn respect and ultimately challenge for the top eight."

Gold Coast have registered upset wins against Geelong, Carlton and Hawthorn in 2017 and are looking to go 4-4 when they play Port Adelaide in China this weekend.

But May says stats aren't always the best barometers for performance at this stage of the year.

"It's hard so early in the season to measure wins and losses because there are so many different circumstances - you haven't worked out teams yet," May said.

"Going into the bye at an even 4-4 would set us up to make a strong challenge for the top eight."

The Suns performances have been hot and cold in 2017, losing by 102 points to Greater Western Sydney one week then beating Hawthorn by 86 points the next.

May believes the inconsistency could be down to the age of their young squad.

"As Rocket (coach Rodney Eade) has said, we've got one of the youngest teams in the competitions at the moment," May said.

"Having that balance of age and experience out on the field definitely helps the performances."

If the Suns manage to beat Port in Shanghai it will be the first time they have defeated them since 2011, their first ever win in the AFL.

Source: AAP