Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna believes he may have found a way to get the best out of mercurial midfielder Jared Brennan – tell him he’s playing Brisbane every week.

The up-and-down Brennan had one of his best nights for the Suns against his former club on Saturday night, racking up a game-high 30 disposals in a superb display.

Brennan’s performance came a week after being named as the Suns’ substitute for the clash with Sydney at the SCG, encapsulating the hit-and-miss story of the 28-year-old’s AFL career so far.

McKenna had his tongue-in-cheek when he suggested somehow convincing Brennan he was taking on the Lions every week was the answer to finding the elusive consistency in Brennan’s game.

But after missing out by just two points in a thrilling finish to Saturday’s derby, McKenna said the display showed how important an on-song Brennan could be for the Suns.

“Clearly he wanted to prove something and he got his hands on it and played the football we know Jared can play,” McKenna said.

“The side almost got a result on the back of that.

“There’s no doubt he had some issues last year and he’s just trying to find consistency.

“We’ll help him, but I think that’s an individual motivation. There’s a bit of pride and ego involved in that as well.

“He’s had a terrific game … I don’t know, maybe next week we try and tell him it’s the Brisbane Lions again.

“He clearly needs to find that because when he plays well, we’re normally on the good end of that.”

One player who didn’t cover himself in glory against the Lions was young defender Rory Thompson, who was given a lesson in a five-goal display by Jonathan Brown.

McKenna eventually switched Thompson off the Lions co-captain but he hoped the youngster would learn from the experience.

“I’m sure all 15 or 20-gamers have played a stinker but that’s probably Rory’s one he’s done,” he said.

“A great experience to play on an ageing warrior, if you like, in Jonathan Brown and I’m sure that’s going to help him in the long run.”