HAWTHORN has overcome a lacklustre start to record a 26-point victory over Gold Coast and go top of the ladder for the first time this season.
The premiers took almost half the game to find their stride at Launceston's Aurora Stadium on Sunday but finished 12.14 (86) to 8.12 (60) winners.
It was the Hawks' 11th win of the year, but it was far from smooth sailing against the SUNS.
Jack Gunston goaled within 15 seconds of the first bounce in what was to be the Hawks' sole glimpse of dominance early in the game.
By contrast it was an impressive opening quarter from the upbeat SUNS who took a 15-point lead into the first break, putting the Hawks on edge.
Some typically colourful guidance from coach Rodney Eade spurred on the Suns who stretched their margin to 21 points early in the second quarter.
But by the main break the premiers had reeled in the lead to just one point.
Steady drizzle made for a greasy contest as the Hawks regained the lead nine minutes into the third term.
The SUNS started to fade and finished the quarter goal-less while the experienced Hawks took comfortable control.
Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade said the Hawks were able to capitalise on the SUNS' mistakes, with three missed goals in the third quarter costly.
"Our turnovers going inside 50 in the last quarter [when] we had opportunities … they were able to capitalise on the back of that," Eade said.
"We only lost two indicators really, the kicking percentage and inside 50."
However, he was pleased with the effort and thought there were plenty of positives in the performance.
"It was better than the Richmond game but at the same time we can't accept that close enough is good enough," Eade said.
"There was a lot to like. We followed our instructions well today and thought our method was pretty good."
James Sicily was a standout for the Hawks, finishing with three goals and 13 disposals.
Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett was his usual handy self for the Suns, recording 40 disposals and booting a goal, but didn't have a blinder which is probably what Gold Coast needed if they were to produce an upset win.
Eade said the champion was moving closer to his best, winning contested ball and leading better.
Forward Tom Lynch was impressive for the Queensland outfit, finishing with three goals and 17 disposals.
MEDICAL ROOM
Hawthorn: Apart from Jarryd Roughead who is out for the season, the return of skipper Luke Hodge has made the Hawks close to full strength leading into the bye.
Gold Coast: The injury-hit SUNS were without Adam Saad (hamstring tightness), Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion), Callum Ah Chee (calf) and Jack Martin (back) against Hawthorn. Saad may miss again next week while Jesse Lonergan remains a fortnight away but the other three players are chances to return against St Kilda in round 15.
HAWTHORN 2.1 6.4 8.10 12.14 (86)
GOLD COAST 4.4 6.5 6.8 8.12 (60)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Sicily 3, Hartung 2, Gunston, Lewis, Ceglar, Breust, Hill, Burgoyne, Duryea
Gold Coast: Lynch 3, Wright, Matera, Ablett, Day, Harbrow
BEST
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Birchall, Gibson. Stratton, Lewis, Hodge
Gold Coast: Ablett, Lynch, Harbrow, Nicholls, Sexton
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Bannister, Hay, Meredith, Pannell
Official crowd: 10,121 at Aurora Stadium
