SUMMARY
The show rolls on for the Hawks, whose gritty win over North Melbourne on Friday night elevated them into the top four and the task at hand is to stay there and give themselves the best chance for their assault on the flag. The rested Suns will bring a strong side to Launceston, but the quirky venue and the conditions have brought better teams than Gold Coast undone since the Hawks embarked on their unbeaten run there in 2012. The hope for the neutral viewer is that the likes of Gary Ablett and Sam Mitchell can go head-to-head through the midfield because this would be fun to watch. There is too much at stake here given the congestion at the top of the ladder for Alastair Clarkson's men to take this one lightly.
Hawk Jordan Lewis is set to play his 250th game under coach Alastair Clarkson. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Aurora Stadium, Sunday, June 26, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R9, 2015, Hawthorn 14.9 (93) d Gold Coast Suns 6.4 (40) at Aurora Stadium
R15, 2014, Hawthorn 17.14 (116) d Gold Coast Suns 10.3 (63) at Aurora Stadium
R4, 2014, Hawthorn 23.10 (148) d Gold Coast Suns 7.7 (49) at Metricon Stadium
R9, 2013, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Gold Coast Suns 14.8 (92) at the MCG
R21, 2012, Hawthorn 19.15 (129) d Gold Coast Suns 10.5 (65) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Hawks dominated the Suns after half-time when they played in 2015, kicking 12 goals to two. Hawthorn had 167 more disposals, 62 more marks and 26 more inside 50s.
2. There is a big difference in scoring between the sides this season, Hawthorn is ranked equal-third for average goals per game with 15.1 while the Suns have struggled, ranked 14th with 11.9 goals per game.
3. Hawthorn has dominated Gold Coast since the sides first played in 2011, winning all seven contests. There has been some big wins with five decided by more than 50 points.
4. The Hawks are now the most accurate team this season, kicking 196 goals and 152 behinds at 56.8 per cent thanks to Jack Gunston with 32.14 and Luke Breust 30.16.
5. Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium continues to be one of the toughest road trips in the AFL; the Hawks have won their last 17 games in Launceston and haven’t been defeated since round five, 2012.
6. Cyril Rioli is ranked 11th in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, the top ranking of any player in this game.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jordan Lewis.
The Hawks vice-captain might relinquish the coin toss back to Hodge this week, but he also brings up a rare milestone when he plays his 250th game under Alastair Clarkson and in doing so becoming just the seventh player in League history to achieve that feat under the same coach.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 20 points
