ASSISTANT coach Ben Mathews says Melbourne has bounced back strongly on the track and not dropped its bundle, after coming off a 39-point loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium last Saturday.

Mathews said the team had been “bubbly” in the lead-up to its clash against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

“We were all disappointed after the St Kilda performance,” he told Melbourne TV.  

“St Kilda was very good, but we felt we let ourselves down around the contest and getting numbers around the ball.

“We were just off our usual selves and the standard was set the three weeks prior to that. Hopefully they’re in the right mindset to take on Gold Coast, which will be a good challenge.”

Mathews said there was “no doubt” Gold Coast was a talented side that couldn’t be taken lightly at all, despite the fact it has dropped its past three matches.

“They had three good wins to start their season and they’ve just had a couple of injuries and also three losses, but they’ve still got a lot of talent,” he said.

“Their midfield has got [Gary] Ablett in there; [Dion] Prestia is a very good player and Jack Martin is a very good player. Those guys going through the midfield are strong and this year a couple of important players are down.

“Up there at Metricon Stadium, I reckon they’re a three or four goal better side than anywhere else. They play a fast brand of football, when it’s on song and that’s something we’ve got to be really aware of.”

Mathews, who was previously a member of Gold Coast’s coaching panel before joining Melbourne, said he kept a close eye on his former team.

“They’re a great club – a great new club and I wish them every ounce of success they possibly can have, but at the same time, not this weekend,” he said.

“They’ve got a good bunch of people working for them and a really good playing group and they’re pretty driven.

“This weekend, it’s no holds barred – we want to get in and get the four points. We’ll do whatever we can to do that, as I’m sure the Gold Coast will be gunning for as well. That’s the challenge that faces us.”