goldcoastfc.com.au brings you five talking points from our historic win over Hawthorn in round three.

1. A week is a long time in football
It’s a saying we’ve heard time and time again, and one we’ve come to expect from coach or captain when looking forward after a big loss. It’s a classic statement, and it’s undeniably true. The SUNS came out firing from the first siren, something they’d lacked in the first two rounds, and the intensity built from there.

Gold Coast won the contested possession count (180-118) and clearances (19-14) over Hawthorn, two areas they struggled with against GWS.

On the same note, the hard work on the training track hits reset again come Monday as the team focus on travelling to Melbourne to take on Carlton, who are also coming off a win.


2. Confidence is everything
In the days leading up to round three, both veteran midfielder Michael Barlow and senior coach Rodney Eade spoke of the role confidence plays in a match-winning formula. Whether it was a pep talk from a teammate or words of wisdom from a coach, Gold Coast clearly had an injection of confidence on Sunday. The third term alone saw them pile on 10 goals, and right up until the final siren their intent was clear. Sean Lemmens’ sidestep of veteran Luke Hodge and follow-up goal was one to marvel, as was the cheeky confidence shown by Matera in his fly-kick, soccer style goal.



3. Ablett answers critics
After a week of media scrutiny Gary Ablett was back to vintage form, with 36 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals. He silenced naysayers from the outset, winning the first clearance of the game and went on to shake a hard tag from Will Langford.

The dual Brownlow medallist was calm and collected across the field, with Eade applauding his leadership in his post-match press conference.

WATCH: Eade post-match


4. Guns on the rise
In just his second game for the season David Swallow clearly showed his tenacity and ability to win the footy. His leadership and silky ball movement has been missed on field in recent years, but he’s quickly building to the form which saw him crowned the 2014 Club Champion.

By three-quarter time he’d already reached the magical 100 AFL fantasy point mark (120 final tally) and finished the game on 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions, six tackles and nine clearances.

Up forward Jack Martin was at his dangerous best, booting three goals and registering three goal assists. But it was Brandon Matera who had the crowd on their feet, kicking six majors in the second half.

Returning to the senior line up for the first time in 2017, second year player Brayden Fiorini was out to impresses. He read the play with maturity and composure, finding space up forward to add two goals to the board.


5. Recruits look like they’ve been here for years
It was clear something clicked on Sunday, and Gold Coast found their groove. On display was the brand of footy members and fans know the players are capable of. In just their third games in the red and gold Jarryd Lyons, Jarrod Witts and Michael Barlow added maturity and zest, showing pride in their new colours.

Witts finished the evening on 40 hit-outs and 13 disposals while Barlow was equal second for team-high disposals on 34. Lyons wasn’t far behind his with 30 disposals and a game high 18 contested possessions.