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Don't expect to see Ben Ainsworth spending more time than necessary in Gold Coast's back line after a brief, but unloved, stint in defence against Brisbane.

Gold Coast's Ben Ainsworth spent enough time in defence against AFL rivals Brisbane to know he's much happier further forward.

The 21-year-old had brief stints in the half-back line against the Lions in the 49-point defeat at Metricon Stadium last Saturday but don't for a second think it's an indication of a permanent shift.

"I just found myself back there on the weekend - somehow - but I'm comfortable playing on the wing and down forward," Ainsworth said.

The Queensland AFL derby defeat was the Suns' second heavy loss in a row after an encouraging 3-1 start to the year.

Ainsworth, who missed rounds two and three after injuring his knee in the season opener against St Kilda, had his best performance of the season against the Lions.

He had 21 disposals and two goal assists as well as six inside 50s in the game but, like many of his teammates, faded in the second half as the Lions overran the Suns in the third and fourth quarters.

Coach Stuart Dew was upset by the lack of fight shown by his team and Ainsworth said rediscovering their edge would be the big focus heading into this weekend's clash with premiers West Coast in Perth.

"We went away from the things that worked for us. That's why the margin got to what it was," Ainsworth said.

"We just have to get back our contest, our running ways and perform on the weekend."

Forward Sean Lemmens will be in contention for the trip west after the club confirmed he had recovered from pre-season ankle surgery, while Will Powell is expected to be available if he can clear concussion protocols throughout the week.

Young forward Brad Scheer is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after fracturing his hand in the Suns' reserves match against Brisbane with Brayden Crossley injuring a hamstring in the same match and looking at four weeks on the sidelines.