New coach Andrew McQualter said West Coast's loss was "incredibly deflating" and the Eagles had expected better, with their issues on Sunday stemming from an inability to be compete at the contest.

With their midfield dominated at stoppages and their backline forced to defend a massive inside 50 differential (67-34), McQualter said the Eagles struggled to get the game on their terms at any stage.

West Coast also badly lost the contested possession count (-43) and clearances (-17) with giant ruck Jarrod Witts delivering silver service to the Suns' star midfielders. 

"I would say they (Gold Coast) were incredibly sharp, and we were at the other end of the level. So that's why you get the numbers you get," he said.

"When you go minus-40 in the contest, you're just not going to be able to compete, so that for us today started at clearance.

"Today was a really difficult day. We didn't get many of our phases right."

McQualter said key forward Jake Waterman was removed from the game as a "precaution" after battling a minor calf issue during the week.

Co-captain Liam Duggan and midfielder Jack Hutchinson (hamstring awareness) are also under injury clouds ahead of a testing trip to the Gabba to take on Brisbane next Sunday, with Duggan aggravating an ankle late in the game.