But it was one of the few clean passages of play for the Hawks,who were out-tackled by 19 and smashed in the contested possessions by 33. The Suns also recorded 17 more inside-50s and 11 more clearances.
Most disappointing were the Hawks’ turnovers. They had 47 in the first half,which tracked well above their season average of 69 a match before Saturday night.
Jarrod Witts dominated in the ruck for the Suns,who had 40 hitouts to the Hawks’ eight,and Touk Miller was the biggest benefactor,amassing 24 touches,six clearances and a goal.
Izak Rankine didn’t have a lot of the ball,but had five score involvements from his first seven touches,showing the class that justified his selection at pick three in the 2018 draft.
Former Saint Lachie Weller also had a sharp night for the Suns with a team-high 27 disposals.
Jack Scrimshaw was subbed out of the Hawks side with concussion early in the third term.
GOLD COAST 4.3,10.8,14.12,18.13 (121)
HAWTHORN 1.3,4.3,5.5,7.12 (54)
GOALS:Gold Coast: Chol 3,Rosas 3,Ainsworth 2,Ellis 2,Anderson,Casboult,Jeffrey,Rankine,Weller,Miller,Swallow,Davies.Hawthorn: Wingard 2,Breust,Butler,Koschitzke,Moore,Lewis.
BEST -Gold Coast: Ellis,Miller,Weller,Witts,Holman,Chol.Hawthorn: Mitchell,Morrison,Sicily.
INJURIES:Hawthorn: Jack Scrimshaw (concussion).
REPORTS:Hawthorn: Jarman Impey (kneeing),Sam Frost (rough conduct).
VOTES
8 - Brandon Ellis (Gold Coast)
8 - Touk Miller (Gold Coast)
7 - Lachie Weller (Gold Coast)
7 - Jarrod Witts (Gold Coast)
7 - Nick Holman (Gold Coast)