NEAFL coaching staff will demand a stronger start from their men when they take on the GWS GIANTS in Sydney on Sunday afternoon.

The Gold Coast SUNS gave the undefeated NEAFL team a scare last week at the Gabba when they led the Lions five goals to one in the first quarter.

“We’ve probably started poorly at NEAFL level for a number of weeks. That’s something we do need to address,” Scott Borlace, Lions’ Head of Development, told lions.com.au.

“Whenever you travel away you need to start well, so that will be a big focus this week.

“We know we’ve got the talent and the guys in the team who can execute what we’re after.”

The Lions were able to bounce back and claim the victory, defeating the SUNS by four goals, in one of their closest games all year.

“To Gold Coast’s credit they came out really hard and started the game really well,” Borlace said.

“They had a couple of experienced players in Jack Martin and Peter Wright and to be honest our boys weren’t really ready for it.”

Coach Mitch Hahn told the team to focus on their contest work at the main break, which proved to be the difference.

“After halftime we were plus 29 for possession,” Borlace said.

In disappointing news, the Lions will be without Irish speedster James Madden this weekend against the GIANTS after he injured his hamstring.

“He’s been progressing really well, we’re really happy with how he’s going,” Borlace said.

Madden is expected to only spend one week on the sidelines.