Suns midfield urged to bring more bite to Dogs test

And the task won't get any easier against a Bulldogs engine room growing in depth, led by superstar Marcus Bontempelli and experienced ball-winner Tom Liberatore.

Hardwick has narrowed his focus in a bid to get the best out of his charges at Darwin's TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

"Contested ball and clearance just wasn't to the level that we pride ourselves in (last week)," Hardwick said.

"As a coaching group (we've got to be) stronger on the fundamentals, the understanding of the fundamentals and more importantly the execution of the fundamentals.

"We weren't good enough in that facet last week. We'll get to work this week."

Critics have highlighted midfielder Matt Rowell's reduced output after he managed just 16 disposals in each of his last two games, following a blistering start to the season.

But Hardwick said the focus was on collective improvement against the Bulldogs, who destroyed Port Adelaide in round eight and are on a three-match winning streak.

"We've got to get some better performances from our midfield group, full stop," Hardwick said.

"Last week's game was not reflective of their season, unfortunately we were disappointing across our whole midfield group. We've got to lift.

"It's a great challenge to fight back against a side that has been very, very dominant over the last three to four weeks in that area."

Hardwick also backed key defender Mac Andrew, who has pushed boundaries while trying to be more aggressive this season.

"I've spoken to him previously and he was outstanding, I thought he was our best player last week for sure," Hardwick said.

"I'll always be adamant that the very best players play at a line and then every now and then, 20 per cent of the time, you're going to step over it.

"I accept that as a coach and we'll always educate. They'll grow through experience but I thought he was wonderful for us last week."

Gold Coast have a 6-0 record in Darwin over the last three years and will play consecutive home fixtures there against the Bulldogs and Hawthorn over the next fortnight.

The Suns made four changes this week, with Lachie Weller (hamstring), Connor Budarick (omitted), Ethan Read and David Swallow (both managed) out of the side.

Brayden Fiorini, Sam Clohesy and Malcolm Rosas have been recalled, and Ben Long returns from a hamstring injury.

Adam Treloar (calf tightness) and Jedd Busslinger (omitted) are out for the Bulldogs, with Caleb Poulter and Harvey Gallagher called up.