But the Suns withstood every Richmond challenge to win 12.15 (87) to 10.9 (69).
It was the Suns' third victory from four games against the Tigers, with the two previous wins coming at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. Saturday night's clash was the first time Gold Coast had hosted Richmond at Metricon Stadium.
After leading for most of the night, the hosts relinquished the lead early in the last term after a clever left-foot snap by Dustin Martin.
But the Suns would not be denied.
Young forwards Tom Lynch and Sam Day wrested back the advantage with strong marks and goals, before David Swallow, Lynch again and captain Gary Ablett iced the win in front of a big crowd of 19,425.
"It was quite a special win by the boys," Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said.
"Their maturity mentally to get through the game I thought was pretty special."
"I thought our ball use inside 50 wasn't to its usual standard," Hardwick said.
"I thought we were a six out of 10 tonight.
"Take nothing away from Gold Coast, their pressure was terrific, they're a much improved side.
"We've just got to play a hell of a lot better than what we dished up tonight."
But it was all about the Suns, who won after Martin saw barely five minutes of action before his much-hyped debut was cut short.
He dived full length in attempting a mark, fell awkwardly and stayed on the ground clutching his shoulder.
The 19-year-old was helped from the field after just three handballs and taken straight to the dressing-room where he iced the shoulder and received the bad news.
He will have scans early in the week, but McKenna was not hopeful.
"I don't think it's great news. He'll spend some time away from football but I don't know how long yet."
It momentarily slowed the Suns, who started in blistering fashion.
They kicked four goals in an exhilarating six-minute burst in the first term, punctuated by speed, skill and precision.
Last year's NAB Rising Star winner Jaeger O'Meara showed no signs of slowing down in his second season, rounding helpless big man Ben Griffiths at top pace before steadying from the left pocket to split the sticks for an exquisite goal.
Richmond was able to halt the momentum with a goal to Jack Riewoldt on the quarter-time siren and then capitalised on Gold Coast turnovers in the second quarter to draw within seven points at the main break.
Alex Rance and Sam Day battle during the Tigers-Suns match on Saturday night. Picture: AFL Media
GOLD COAST 5.4 6.5 7.13 12.15 (87)
RICHMOND 3.1 5.6 6.7 10.9 (69)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Day 2, Stanley 2, Ablett 2, Lynch 2, Prestia, O’Meara, Matera, Swallow