AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says the league is happy with Gold Coast's progress, but has conceded he'd like the Suns and Brisbane Lions "to be going better than they are".

The Lions have won just one game for the season, while the Suns have lost five straight after starting the year 3-0. Both Queensland sides suffered massive defeats at the weekend, with the Lions losing by 78 points to Collingwood, and the Suns beaten by 91 points by Greater Western Sydney.

Lions director and four-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews said last week that there was only demand for one club in South-East Queensland.

McLachlan disagreed with the legend's position. "We always listen to Leigh. That's a personal view. I don't agree," McLachlan told Channel Seven.

The AFL chief conceded that both clubs were struggling on-field, but said the picture was broader than just on-field success.

"Clearly we'd like those clubs to be going better than they are.

"The strategy for expansion for the Gold Coast is clear. They've more than paid for themselves through the broadcast agreement. We're happy with their progress."

Both clubs have significant injury lists. The Suns are without the injured Trent McKenzie, Michael Rischitelli, Jaeger O'Meara, Matt Rosa, Rory Thompson and David Swallow, as well as the suspended Steven May, while the Lions are missing skipper Tom Rockliff, gun midfielder Dayne Beams, and talls Harris Andrews, Michael Close and Daniel McStay.

McLachlan said injuries had to be taken into account.

"It was round eight. It was two very poor outcomes for the clubs in Queensland. They're on a journey, the Suns will get players back.

"The Lions two weeks ago had an amazing game, and had a very poor game on the weekend. Let's see the season out, work through it, provide the support we can and keep calm."