Gold Coast Suns leader Michael Barlow has described criticism of coach Rodney Eade and champion midfielder Gary Ablett as “white noise” in the wake of their heavy last-round AFL loss to Greater Western Sydney.

But Barlow – a member of the AFL club’s leadership group – challenged the entire squad to show “who wants to be a Gold Coast Sun” in Sunday’s home game against Hawthorn.

Eade’s future at the expansion club was questioned after the embarrassing 102-point loss to the Giants, which followed a season-opening two-point defeat at the hands of Brisbane.

However, Barlow said the Suns players were all behind Eade.

“I see it (criticism) as white noise to be honest,” he said.

“It’s a unified problem and we want a unified solution.

“(And) as a player group we are right behind Rocket.

“Rocket is a strong character. He is a proud Gold Coast Sun.

“If everyone jumps behind that mindset we will have a much better output.”

The knives were also out for Ablett after his quiet display against the Giants.

Critics claimed in light of Ablett’s failed off-season Geelong trade bid that the two-time Brownlow Medallist appeared “disinterested” against GWS.

Suns co-captain Tom Lynch said Ablett was made a scapegoat and bristled at the suggestion their former captain’s mind was elsewhere on the field.

“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.

“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 hoped Suns players drew 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.

“We’re not shying away from the fact it (last round loss) was really disappointing.

“We want to galvanise and go in the right direction.”