It was a night to forget for Gold Coast when the fast-improving expansion team met Hawthorn in round four at Metricon Stadium.

The Hawks’ premiership defence took a significant step forward against the 2-1 GC SUNS, with the 2013 grand final winners showing they still owned the AFL’s ultimate knockout punch with a 99-point slaughter of the home side thanks to a dominant second-half performance.

A fiercely contested opening term suggested the SUNS were in with a real chance of upsetting the reigning premier, but a five-goal second quarter from the southern challengers saw the game quickly turn the corner.

The Hawks booted 12 goals in what was nightmarish second-half of football for Gold Coast, further stamping their reputation as the AFL’s best team.

Young tagger Will Langford paid close attention to Gary Ablett for much of the match, but the SUNS’ captain was his usual magnificent self.

He had 35 disposals while David Swallow and Michael Rischitelli also competed manfully.

But the Hawks were led brilliantly by spiritual leader Sam Mitchell, with the 2008 premiership captain picking up a game-high 35 disposals and two goals.

Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead capitalised on their team’s dominance through the midfield kicking five and four goals, respectively.

Although unable to claim the premiership points, in hindsight, the almost three-figure defeat spurred Guy McKenna’s into action, with the SUNS winning six of their following nine games.

GOLD COAST   4.4     6.4     7.5          7.7 (49)
HAWTHORN      6.4   11.7   16.9    23.10 (148)

GOALS
Gold Coast: O’Meara, Hall, Shaw, Lynch, Ablett, Rischitelli, Swallow
Hawthorn: Gunston 5, Roughead 4, Rioli 2, Mitchell 2, Suckling 2, Breust 2, Hale, Smith, Shiels, Hill, Simpkin, Puopolo

BEST
Gold Coast: Ablett, Swallow, Rischitelli
Hawthorn: Gunston, Mitchell, Burgoyne, Hodge, Roughead

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Nil
Hawthorn: Spangher (ankle)

SUBSTITUTES
Gold Coast: Jack Hutchins on for Luke Russell in the third quarter
Hawthorn: Jonathan Simpkin on for Matt Spangher in the third quarter.

Official crowd: 17,729 at Metricon Stadium