Geelong’s last hit-out before September saw them beat the Gold Coast by 102 points on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium.
With their 11th finals berth in 12 seasons already secured thanks to Port Adelaide's loss to Essendon on Friday night, the Cats won 22.10 (142) to 5.10 (40).
Patrick Dangerfield (34 disposals, four goals) was a clear best-on-ground, helping the Cats jump 5.9 per cent into seventh place ahead of Melbourne before the Demons play on Sunday.
Melbourne needs to beat Greater Western Sydney to jump to fifth place and secure a home final.
It consigned Stuart Dew's side to its 16th defeat in 17 matches, taking its average losing margin on the road to 62 points this season.
Lacking intensity in patches throughout the afternoon, the SUNS' kicking errors in the back half opened the door for the Cats to finish with 12 individual goalscorers.
Tom Hawkins' (two goals) pursuit of the Coleman Medal took a back seat, playing as a mobile half-forward to finish with a game-high three goal assists.
Needing four goals to draw level with Jack Riewoldt pre-match, Hawkins was followed by SUNS captain Steven May after quarter-time with Jack Leslie succumbing to a knee injury.
Instead, the attacking was left to Dangerfield and Tim Kelly (three goals), the first-year star with two majors from classy finishes at forward 50 stoppages to make the SUNS' defence struggle.
Gary Ablett, playing against his former side for the first time at home, was allowed off a Touk Miller leash in the second term, kicking two of the Cats' eight goals.
Rookie Jack Henry lit up an otherwise lacklustre third term, flying high over SUNS veteran Michael Rischitelli to showcase his aerial traits.
Shortly after, Mark Blicavs' defensive howler had little impact on the contest, his flat-footed kick-in landing straight in the lap of youngster Brayden Crossley to convert a rare highlight.
Michael Barlow finished with a game-high 35 disposals, one of few contributors to his side.
MEDICAL ROOM
Geelong: Jake Kolodjashnij came off second-best in a brush of friendly fire with Lachie Henderson in the opening seconds. Heading off for stitches to his right eye, Kolodjashnij returned a short time later. Cam Guthrie left the field early in the final quarter with a corkie, spending the rest of the match on the stationary bike.
Gold Coast: Jack Leslie took no further part after quarter-time, ice applied to his right knee late in the first term.
NEXT UP
The Cats will sit back watching the results of Hawthorn's trip to Sydney and Melbourne's clash with Greater Western Sydney to learn who they'll meet in the elimination final. For the SUNS, it's end-of-season reviews.
GEELONG 4.6 12.8 17.8 22.10 (142)
GOLD COAST 2.3 3.2 4.8 5.10 (40)
GOALS
Geelong: Dangerfield 4, Kelly 3, Hawkins 2, Ablett 2, Menzel 2, Menegola 2, Murdoch 2, Abbott, Blicavs, S. Selwood, Tuohy, Duncan
Gold Coast: Sexton, Scheer, Schoenfeld, Crossley, Lyons
BEST
Geelong: Dangerfield, Ablett, Kelly, Duncan, Hawkins, Stewart, J. Selwood, S. Selwood
Gold Coast: Barlow, Harbrow, Bowes, Weller
INJURIES
Geelong: Guthrie (leg)
Gold Coast: Schoenfeld replaced Ainsworth (hip) in the selected side, Leslie (knee)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Gavine, Williamson
Official crowd: 28,004 at GMHBA Stadium
