1. Horror start for the Hawks
Hawthorn is on the bottom of the ladder after the first three rounds of the season. It was an almost inconceivable situation before the start of 2017, but three consecutive losses have consigned the Hawks to a 0-3 start. The last time the Hawks were in that situation was 2005, Alastair Clarkson's first season in charge. Hawthorn looked slow and listless against the Suns; they were second to the ball and often seemed to be waiting for teammates to get the ball rather than getting it themselves. Opponents were left in too much space in dangerous areas, and there was often a lack of communication in defence.
Adam Saad got on his bike in the first half with four bounces out of defence. #AFLSunsHawks pic.twitter.com/hKaiWBwZ5R
— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2017
2. Suns bounce back in style
Gold Coast had endured a week from hell after its capitulation against Greater Western Sydney the previous match. Coach Rodney Eade, in the last year of his contract, had question marks over his future at the club, and the side was expected to slump to another loss. But the Suns came out firing, leading from the first siren to the last, and piling on an astonishing 10 goals in the third quarter alone. They played with confidence and skill, epitomised by Sean Lemmens' baulk and goal around the imposing Luke Hodge in the third term. It was the club's first ever win over Hawthorn and it was done in style, the biggest win in club history.
WATCH: Suns burn Hawks with 10-goal term
Who says he has no right boot? Jarrod Harbrow extends the Suns' margin. #AFLSunsHawks pic.twitter.com/RvAaNgf07A
— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2017
3. Ablett answers critics
Gary Ablett has been another to have a tough week, with much discussion over his comparatively average form and his playing future at the Suns. Ablett reiterated comments made in November last year, admitting this season could be his last. But the former captain led from the front in the Suns' big win. Ablett won the first clearance of the match, and broke free from Will Langford's niggling tag to finish with a game-high 36 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals. While not at his very best, he was calm and collected in the middle of the ground, and creative in his ball use.
Gary Ablett is letting his footy do the talking What a start for the Suns! #AFLSunsHawks pic.twitter.com/0HZSOsRQ8n
— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2017
4. Gun young Suns
David Swallow has missed a lot of footy with injury in recent years, playing six matches in 2015 and none at all last year. In his second game for the season, the 24-year-old (33 disposals and nine clearances) was damaging in the midfield, and the young Sun wasn't alone. Jack Martin was dangerous early, kicking three goals, while Touk Miller (28 touches) was nearly best on ground at half-time. Second-year player Brayden Fiorini often found space in the forward line, reading the ball well off packs to kick two goals in two minutes.
Jack Martin has the Suns off to the best possible start! #AFLSunsHawks pic.twitter.com/seLS2HV8d7
— AFL (@AFL) April 9, 2017
5. O'Meara struggles against former club
After spending two years on the sidelines battling injury, the Suns' No.1 pick in the 2011 mini-draft, Jaegar O'Meara, walked out on the club and moved to Hawthorn. The Suns were angry to lose him, and O'Meara's former teammates let him know about it at the start of the match. Co-captain Steven May made a beeline for the midfielder, knocking him around, and he struggled to find his groove throughout the match. O'Meara was coming off a 36-disposal game the week before, but finished with only 14 touches and a goal.
It was a tough return to Metricon Stadium for Jaeger O'Meara. Picture: AFL Photos