A late surge from Hawthorn wasn't enough to deny Gold Coast a 16-point win in Saturday's AFL clash at the MCG, with midfield maestro Gary Ablett again the thorn in the Hawks' side.
Ablett had 37 disposals, 10 tackles, eight clearances and two goals as the Suns clung on for a 13.17 (95) to 12.7 (79) win and their second victory this season over the Hawks.
Down by 32 points at the final break, the Hawks surged to life with Tim O'Brien booting two goals in five minutes.
Jack Gunston also kicked consecutive goals to cut the deficit to single figures, before Hawks rookie Kaiden Brand conceded a 50m penalty for infringing the mark on Ben Ainsworth in the dying minutes.
Third-gamer Ainsworth had sprayed his initial set shot but didn't miss the second directly in front of goal.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was reluctant to comment but said he wasn't sure why Brand was penalised.
"I'm not allowed to comment on disgraceful umpiring so I'm better off not saying anything, aren't I?," he joked.
"We didn't lose because of the umps this afternoon.
"There was a few dubious decisions over the course of the game but you've just got to take the swings and roundabouts."
The result leaves the Hawks stranded in 16th place on four wins and eight losses, with an Adelaide Oval clash against the ladder-leading Crows after next week's bye.
It was far from the 86-point drubbing Gold Coast inflicted in round three but it was another blow for Hawthorn's fading finals hopes.
The Suns had only won two of their 11 games at the MCG, but looked by far the more poised and self-assured of the two sides.
Off-contract key defender Steven May set the tone with seven of his 13 marks during a dominant first quarter, while tall forward duo Tom Lynch and Peter Wright had two goals apiece.
But Ablett was the best of the lot, notching his 11th straight game of 30 or more disposals against the Hawks.
"As a young team learning, I thought we didn't wilt and we were able to respond," Suns coach Rodney Eade said.
"Overall I was really pleased with what we were able to do."
Gunston lifted late for Hawthorn, booting three of his five goals in the final term, while Tom Mitchell (39 disposals) and Shaun Burgoyne were again among the Hawks' best.
But the Hawks had the same problems that have plagued them all season - a lack of run, too many skill errors and not enough contributors.
Former skipper Luke Hodge (groin) joined Luke Bruest (gastro) as a last-minute withdrawal, while veteran Josh Gibson sat out the final quarter with a groin complaint.
Share
