SUNS forward Callum Ah Chee said the players abandoning the game plan and not a lack of fitness was to blame for their shocking loss to St Kilda on Saturday.

The Suns did not offer a yelp as the Saints clawed back a 39-point deficit to snatch a two-point win at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

Ah Chee conceded it was an uncomfortable video review but believed the players had confidence if they stuck to coach Stuart Dew’s game plan they could cause a boilover against Hawthorn in Launceston on this weekend.

“That was difficult to watch, but it is something we need to do,’’ he said.

“We had a look, we’ve regrouped and there was definitely a lot of leaning there we can take into next week.’’

Frustrated coach Dew said after the game his players had “physically and mentally” froze.

It was the fourth consecutive match the club had not kicked a goal in the final quarter but Ah Chee said fitness was not to blame.

“We’re definitely fit enough – we wouldn’t put a team out there that’s not fit,’’ the third-year player said.

“We train hard during the week, we had a really good week on the track and we will continue to bring those training standards this week.

“Yes we are definitely fit enough to play AFL footy.’’

He said the players were hurting after the loss and were desperate to avoid a repeat this weekend.

There was no knee-jerk reaction from the coaching department and the players had not lost confidence.

They knew what they were capable of from the first three quarters against St Kilda, which was some of the best footy they had played this year.

“I think we just need to stick to our game plan,’’ Ah Chee said.