Gold Coast are preparing to submit a request to the AFL for a wide-ranging rescue package, including a priority draft pick, more money and the introduction of a player-retention allowance.

Suns president Tony Cochrane said the club needed help in a strategic and long-term way that went beyond just a draft pick, but an extra draft pick was important as part of a suite of measures for the club.

The Suns leave the field after being thrashed by the Giants. Credit:AAP

"We have not specifically asked for a priority pick yet but that will be part of a submission to the AFL on a range of things that are needed ... but I don't want to get into specifics," Cochrane said.

He added that other lowly clubs not just the Suns should be given draft help or else the competition risked becoming like the English Premier League where the top six soccer clubs fought it out each year and the rest of the competition were "cannon fodder".