Gold Coast was at its exciting and free-flowing best on Saturday night in a comfortable 17.11 (113) to 11.10 (76) win over Hawthorn at the SCG.
The hastily-changed venue was no problem for the SUNS who appeared right at home in the 37-point victory.
Izak Rankine and Ben King dominated the forward line with four goals each, Rankine’s form in particular sure to please Stuart Dew after his gun small forward found himself under the pump for a lacklustre start to the season.
It looked like the night was going to be all one-way traffic after Gold Coast slotted the opening four goals of the match in quick time, but the Hawks steadied and clawed back to within eight points at the first break.
However, that was where the resistance ended.
The SUNS took a 28-point lead into half-time and stretched the lead as the game went on, coasting to the club’s highest score this year.
Vice-captain Touk Miller continued his sparkling form with a 37-disposal effort in the midfield, while Jack Lukosius proved why he is one of the best young footballers in the competition with some precise ball use and 713 metres gained for the match.
Noah Anderson was subbed out late in the match with an ankle injury after initially returning to the field.
GOLD COAST 4.5 10.8 13.10 17.11 (113)
HAWTHORN 3.2 6.4 8.5 11.10 (76)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Rankine 4, King 4, Sexton 3, Burgess, Holman, Lukosius, Miller, Weller, Ellis
Hawthorn: McEvoy 2, Lewis 2, Moore 2, Phillips, Reeves, Worpel, Breust, Greaves
BEST
Gold Coast: Lukosius, Miller, Rankine, Ellis, Markov, King
Hawthorn: Wingard, McEvoy, Scrimshaw, Burgoyne
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Noah Anderson (ankle)
Hawthorn: TBC
MEDICAL SUBSTITUTES
Gold Coast: Josh Corbett (replaced Noah Anderson)
Hawthorn: Harry Morrison (unused)
