Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was left to rue a wasteful last quarter in the team’s 18-point, Round 1 loss to the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

The Tigers dominated inside-50 entries in the latter stages of the game, and hit the front early in the final term, before the Suns kicked four unanswered goals to open up a match-winning lead.

“We just didn’t make the most of opportunities inside 50. The reality is if you don’t make the most of your opportunities, they get a couple the other way . . . which put the nail in our coffin,’’ Hardwick said post-match.

“Our ball use inside 50 wasn’t to its usual standard.  Overall, it just wasn’t clicking for us tonight.

“I thought we were a six out of 10 tonight.  Take nothing away from the Gold Coast.  Their pressure was terrific, and they’re a much-improved side.

“It was one of those games . . . it was a genuine arm wrestle.

Hardwick will be looking for an improved effort from the team ahead of its Round 2 clash with Carlton at the MCG on Thursday, March 27.

“We just have to play a hell of a lot better than what we dished up tonight,” he said.

“It’s disappointing to lose regardless of whether it’s Round 1 or Round 2.  We hate losing footy games, make no mistake about it.’’