Brown, who played for both clubs during his 205-game career, said the Suns were not without a hope against the reigning premier, but would have to cast the net wide to slow the Hawks down.

 

After saying he was "blown away" by Hawthorn's dismantling of Fremantle last week, Brown said Gold Coast would have to look beyond the usual tagging targets when they met at Metricon Stadium.

 

"While (Sam) Mitchell and (Luke) Hodge and these guys are the star players, Hill and Isaac Smith are probably the most important players in the Hawthorn side because they just create so much run and carry and overlap," Brown said.

 

"I reckon those two players are so good at breaking the lines and setting them up.

 

"They're the guys I'd probably target."

 

Both have been instrumental in getting the Hawks off to a perfect three from three start in 2014.

 

Hill has averaged 26 disposals and Smith 24, with the latter also kicking three goals against the Dockers last week.

 

Their contribution hasn't escaped Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, who was quick to laud their efforts after last week's win, particularly Hill's.

 

"He's a really important player for us," Clarkson said.

 

"He's a great kid, gives us great energy on the ground and off the ground. He's just a ripper."

 

Brown said Suns running machine Matt Shaw could be a good match-up for Smith, while red-hot David Swallow could be a good option to mind Hill.

 

"I know Dave Swallow is in sensational form, but you might have to give him a job because he's a disciplined guy who will do whatever he can for the team," Brown said.

 

"Without taking too much away from the attacking midfield they've got already, but I think (Dion) Prestia, (Gary) Ablett and (Jaeger) O'Meara have got enough attack and they can win the contested ball well enough."

 

With Hawthorn's running threat from half-back, Brown said Gold Coast would have to be mindful of its forward entries, and preferably make them deep to stop quick counter attacks.

 

"It's going to be a tough ask for the Suns but I reckon it's a fantastic challenge for them," he said.

 

"They should embrace it. There's probably no one that thinks they can win it.

 

"That's a perfect opportunity to go into that game and play the style they want and give it their best chance. If they lose they lose, but they can give it an almighty crack."

 

A man that loves a punt, the 2008 Hawthorn premiership player said Gold Coast was a three to five-goal better team at Metricon Stadium, but he would still install the Hawks as $1.30 favourites.

 

Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting