In a Tweet

The Rundown

The struggling Suns played host to a Hawk outfit that was looking to extend its winning streak to five on the trot.

But it was the Suns, led by captain Gary Ablett who finished with 40 disposals and a goal, who were dominant throughout the early stages of the game as they created a 21-point lead midway through the second quarter.

The Hawks never truly found their gear but were able to regain the lead going into the final term.

They continued to grind away throughout the final quarter to ultimately extend the margin to 26 points.

Read: Match preview Round 3

The Star

Captain Luke Hodge made a much-anticipated return after a layoff with a knee injury, and showed no ill effects in his first game back. He recommenced his typical ways, marshalling the side’s ball movement and defence.

The Moment  

Probably the highlight of an otherwise relatively uneventful day, was a transitional play where the Hawks gathered a loose ball in defensive 50 and, through multiple sets of hands, created a Bradley Hill goal at the other end of the ground.

The Coach

"It wasn't a convincing victory but we ground away and got the result that we were after."- Alastair Clarkson

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