Criticism of Rodney Eade and Gary Ablett was dismissed as "white noise" by Gold Coast players on Tuesday but club leader Michael Barlow has challenged teammates to show "who wants to be a Gold Coast Sun" in Sunday's home AFL clash with Hawthorn.
Eade's future at the expansion club was a huge talking point after the Suns' 102-point round-two loss to Greater Western Sydney.
And champion midfielder Ablett came under fire for appearing "disinterested" in a quiet 16 disposal display against the Giants.
Barlow - part of the Suns leadership group - admitted their last-round defeat was embarrassing but believed Eade and Ablett were made "scapegoats" in the media.
"I see it (criticism) as white noise to be honest," the veteran midfielder said.
"You get a bit defensive when you see one or two people bare the brunt of it.
"People are looking for a scapegoat.
"You really feel for Gary in that aspect and as a player group we are right behind Rocket (Eade)."
Barlow said it had been "business as usual" this week for Eade despite media speculation about his future.
"Rocket is a strong character. He is a proud Gold Coast Sun," he said.
"If everyone jumps behind that mindset we will have a much better output."
Suns co-captain Tom Lynch also jumped to the defence of Ablett.
In light of his failed off-season Geelong trade bid, critics claimed the two-time Brownlow Medallist appeared "disinterested" against GWS.
Lynch bristled at the suggestion.
"We all know Gary is a very competitive person and to say he is disinterested is pretty disrespectful toward a champion like Gary," Lynch said.
"I don't think it could be further than the truth - Gary is hurting as much as anyone.
"Gary isn't the problem at all.
"I think over the journey he has had criticism which would sting him but I think it just spurs him on - I am sure he will bounce back."
Barlow admitted some of their experienced players dropped the ball against the Giants.
"As a leadership group we let ourselves down on Saturday," he said.
"We're going to find out a lot about individuals and this team as a collective in the wake of this criticism - and that starts at the top (leadership group)."
Barlow hopes Suns players draw a line in the sand against the Hawks this weekend.
"We get to find out who wants to be a Gold Coast Sun," he said.
"There's two ways we can go from here.
"But we want to galvanise and go in the right direction."
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