Gold Coast SUNS coach Guy McKenna says some of the GC SUNS tardy starts are due to his young players being overawed by their opponents.

In the past fortnight, the GC SUNS have been blown apart in the opening 15 minutes by both West Coast and North Melbourne and McKenna is desperate to avoid a repeat against Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday.

McKenna said it was vital his team did not spend too much time gazing at the likes of Lance Franklin and Sam Mitchell before they got into stride.

"In some cases, it's a bit of shock for these young boys," he said.

"They all understand they can play football, but at this level? And do they feel comfortable and do they belong?

"Sometimes you get the nods and the yeses and as soon as they walk out, they see Buddy Franklin, they look at Luke Hodge, all these blokes they've been studying and following as superstars of the competition. I have no doubt it's a bit of a shock to the system."

Despite coming off a gruelling loss to North Melbourne last weekend, the Gold Coast SUNS coach said he expected no relenting from the fourth-placed Hawks.

He said it was another good opportunity to take on a competition heavyweight and see just where his team was at.

"They know how hard you have to work and know how hard you have to be and they understand you can't afford a slip up in the competition," he said of Hawthorn.

"I'm telling our group it's another fantastic opportunity to play against premiership players and a side that's obviously building towards another premiership very soon."

Gold Coast SUNS will make the trip to Launceston without ruckman Zac Smith, who is the latest of McKenna's young players to be rested.

The Rising Star nominee has not missed a match this season and has undertaken a heavy workload in the ruck and up forward.

"In two or three years time, I'd probably play him, but right now I don't think there's much point in risking him," McKenna said.

"He's a bit tight in the hamstring, bit sore in the back, so I think that his body is telling us he needs a rest."

McKenna said Karmichael Hunt would most likely be included in the senior team after one week in reserves, saying the rugby league convert had done everything asked of him at the lower level.