Expert
The Hawthorn Hawks travel to face the Gold Coast Suns at their home ground of Metricon Stadium, hoping to extend their so-far perfect record in 2014. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7.40pm (AEST).
The Suns have gotten off to a good start in their fourth AFL Season, with wins against Richmond and Brisbane from their three opening games and a competitive performance against Fremantle.
They’re unbeaten at home so far this year – something that will give them a lot of confidence given they’re facing the Hawks on home turf.
The Hawks have been even more impressive, with dominant wins over Brisbane in Round 1 and Fremantle in the Grand Final rematch, as well as a last-gasp win against Essendon thanks to Cyril Rioli.
One of only three teams left undefeated at the end of Round 3, the Hawks will rate themselves a good chance of extending their record to 4-0.
The Suns have made only one change from the team that defeated Brisbane by 53-points, with Jack Hutchins coming in for the suspended Brandon Matera.
The Suns nearly would have had find a replacement for key defender Steven May too, who was cited by the Match Review Panel for a high hit on Dayne Zorko, but the suspension was challenged and overturned, meaning May is free to play.
The Hawks have also made just a single change, dropping Angus Litherland in order to welcome back captain Luke Hodge who missed last week with a groin injury.
While the Hawks, as reigning premiers, undoubtedly enter this match as the favourites, the Suns should not be discounted by a long stretch. They’ve got a very positive record at home, especially in night matches, in which the unfamiliar humidity has a habit of tiring Victorian visitors.
Prediction
The Suns are full of young talent but it’s hard to see them getting it done over the Hawks, who have both great talent and great experience.
The Suns enter this match with the best chance they’ve ever had of beating the Hawks, and it would be a big feather in their cap, but the Hawks are still a better team across four quarters. Expect them to get it done.
Hawthorn by 24 points.
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