GOLD Coast coach Guy McKenna will offer his team as hired muscle if that’s what it takes to ensure the roof is closed at Etihad Stadium on the weekend.

The Suns are aiming to claim their first AFL win at the venue when they take on North Melbourne this Sunday.

McKenna dismissed talk of a hoodoo at Etihad as nonsense but there is one thing about the stadium he finds peculiar.

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“You constantly ask the question of why would you leave it open? What benefit is there?,” he said of the venue’s retractable roof.

“I’m sure if it’s a cost thing, we’re happy to get there early and wind it shut if you have to.

“I can understand why it stays open, you get the sun on the grass but, while there’s a game of footy on, I’m not sure that’s the time to be growing grass, probably.”

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The Suns have played six times at Etihad and lost on every occasion.

McKenna says that has little to do with the venue and more to do with how his team have developed over time.

His more pressing matter is the fitness of ruckman Tom Nicholls, who missed last week’s win over GWS with a calf strain.

With Zac Smith still not available as his knee reconstruction recovery continues, Nicholls’ absence creates a headache with defender Rory Thompson asked to move into the ruck against the Giants.

McKenna says Nicholls will be given every chance to take on the Kangaroos.

“He’s important for a number of reasons,” McKenna said.

“One, he can ruck really well but, obviously, it allows Rory to go back as our key defender.

“Would I want it to be in a better place, right now? Probably, but we do play Sunday so there’s still some hope there for sure.”