Hawthorn and the Gold Coast Suns go into battle at the MCG for what could be a perspective clash for the Suns. To be the best you have to learn from the best. Join us on this page for live scores and commentary from 1.10pm AEST.
Hawthorn gained top spot on the ladder last week after losses to Geelong and Essendon propelled them to the top alongside Geelong.
The Hawks boat raced the Giants last week, beating them to the tune of 83 points.
The biggest thing out of the game from a Hawthorn perspective was no injuries.
Gold Coast will attempt to win their third consecutive game for the first time in their short history after dominating victories over the Demons and Bulldogs.
Losing number one ruckman Zac Smith during the week to a torn ACL will be a big loss to the Suns, especially with Charlie Dixon still fighting to overcome an ankle issue.
The likes of Tom Lynch, Sam Day, Rory Thompson and Daniel Gorrange/Tom Nicholls will have to step up huge to be a match for the Hawks big boys down forward and even back.
The Hawks through Roughead, Franklin, Hale and co are ranked number one in the AFL for marks inside 50, averaging 14.6 per game which will be a tough task for the Suns to manage.
Another eye opening stat which doesn’t bode well are the centre clearances. Hawthorn averages a whopping 16.9 per game whilst the Suns can only manage 11.7 per game. First and 16th respectively in the competition.
Individually we should see a big day for those who love seeing big numbers in the possession category. Stud midfielders Gary Ablett and Sam Mitchell have collected more possession’s than any other player this season in the AFL.
This game will be so much closer then everyone realises however I cannot get past the Zac Smith loss as being anything other than a massive blow.
Hawthorn to eventually claw away and win by 31 points.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
This fixture next year will excite! Especially at Metricon.
Brodie
Roar Guru
My votes for best on ground would go to; 3 Votes: Gary Ablett 2 Votes: Jordan Lewis 1 Vote: Sam Mitchell Thanks for joining me for this terrific game, won by the Hawks. Until next time folks! Twitter - @BrodieChivers
SjD
Guest
Hey Brodie. Thanks for your comments on the game. Great work.
Brodie
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Haw: 17.10.118 GC: 14.8.92 The Suns put in a gallant effort all day and looked like favorites heading into half time however a huge third term by the Hawks proves too much for the Suns. Buddy was a villain but ended a hero for the Hawks, ending with 5 goals. A good game all around and all should leave entertained. GOALS HAW: Franklin 5, Burgoyne 3, Roughead 3, Mitchell 1, Gunston 1, Bailey 1, Hodge 1, Breust 1, Grimley 1, Puopolo 1, GC: Hall 5, Ablett 3, Prestia 1, Lynch 1, Brown 1, Matera 1, Broughton 1, Swallow 1 TOP DISPOSALS HAW: Mitchell 35, Simpkin 32, Lewis 31, Gibson 27, Gunston 24 GC: Ablett 37, Prestia 33, McKenzie 23, Matera 21, Harbrow 21
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 1′ Remaining Franklin apparently isn't done! He marks inside 50 again and goes back and GOALS! Buddy has five now which is remarkable. Haw: 17.10.118 GC: 14.9.92
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 2′ Remaining The Gold Coast go coast to coast and kick a goal with Swallow all alone in the goal square. It's a GOAL! Haw: 16.10.112 GC: 14.9.92
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 3′ Remaining Franklin caps off a weird day for himself with his fourth goal of the day. He marks inside 50 and GOALS! Haw: 16.10.112 GC: 13.9.86
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 5′ Remaining A superb run of play from the suns via Stanley, Ablett and Hall results in Aaron Hall's 5th goal of the match. Quite a performance from Hall. Haw: 15.10.106 GC: 13.9.86
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 6′ Remaining Ball is locked inside the Hawks forward 50 after some great tackling pressure from both sides. Luke Russell wins the free kick and the Gold Coast will push forward. Haw: 15.10.106 GC: 12.9.80
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 9′ Remaining Off one step 55 meters out Roughead goes BANG! It's a GOAL! Haw: 15.9.105 GC: 12.8.79
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 11′ Remaining Greg Broughton has one on the board for the Suns after a stoppage inside the Suns 50. A snap around the pack is a GOAL! Haw: 14.9.99 GC: 12.8.79
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 12′ Remaining In his 50th match Paul Puopolo is on the board! Brad Hill kicks inside 50 to a pack and everyone goes up while Puopolo stays down, roves and GOALS! Haw: 14.9.99 GC: 11.7.73
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 14′ Remaining Brent Guerra runs down Jarred Brennan who is caught holding the ball. Brennan is down with a left knee and is being carried off the ground. Sad news for Gold Coast. Haw: 13.9.93 GC: 11.7.73
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 16′ Remaining From the kick in the Hawks turn it over via Brad Hill. Hill goes back to Lewis and Lewis finds Roughead on a lead. Roughead slots it! GOAL! Haw: 13.9.93 GC: 11.7.73
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 17′ Remaining The Suns already look better this quarter and seem to have a bit of momentum back now. Just as a qrite that the Hawks turn the ball over and through Mitchell and Hodge off half back the Hawks push forward. Gunston finds the ball and snap a behind. Haw: 12.9.87 GC: 11.7.73
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 18′ Remaining A nice run off half back by the Suns gives Aaron Hall a shot at his fourth goal of the match. Hall lines up and makes no mistake. GOAL! Haw: 12.8.86 GC: 11.6.72
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q4 – 20′ Remaining The quarter is underway now as the Hawks are rebounding off the Suns backline. Haw: 12.8.86 GC: 10.6.66
Brodie
Roar Guru
THREE QUARTER TIME Hawthorn fans collectively re-gain their breath as the Hawks dominated that quarter completely. The Hawks 26 inside 50's were the real story as it is a record for any team this year, Haw: 12.8.86 GC: 10.6.66 GOALS HAW: Burgoyne 3, Franklin 3, Mitchell 1, Bailey 1, Breust 1, Grimley 1, Hodge 1, Gunston 1, Roughead 1 GC: Ablett 3, Hall 3, Prestia 1, Lynch 1, Brown 1, Matera 1 TOP DISPOSALS HAW: Simpkin 29, Mitchell 26, Lewis 23, Burgoyne 21, Gibson 21, Gunston 20 GC: Prestia 27, Ablett 25, McKenzie 18, Shaw 17, Harbrow 14
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q3 - 1' Remaining Franklin marks inside 50 and has another shot for goal. Franklin has had nine disposals this quarter which is a real testiment to his work rate after a shocking game. Franklin misses. Haw: 12.8.86 GC: 10.6.66
Brodie
Roar Guru
Q3 - 2' Remaining After a Dion Prestia behind the Hawks go forward through Gunston and Stratton. Yet again Buddy drops the mark outside 50 but he recovers and picks up the ball 50 out on the boundry. Buddy shoots and Buddy scores! GOAL! Haw: 12.7.85 GC: 10.6.66