Gold Coast's AFL development has achieved critical mass.
Their stunning first half on Sunday would have challenged most teams, let alone injury-plagued and rebuilding St Kilda.
The Suns romped to a 57-point lead at half time before St Kilda rallied gamely and restricted the final margin to 38 points.
The Saints' second-half rally also showed Gold Coast are far from perfect.
But since the end of last season, St Kilda coach Alan Richardson notes the Suns have improved noticeably in many key areas.
Gold Coast are on a four-game winning streak and are outside the top four only on percentage.
"They look much more complete from a game plan perspective," Richardson said.
"Whilst we were okay with our ball movement, particularly in the second half, their commitment to defend has certainly improved.
"They're much bigger, they've obviously had another pre-season, and they've obviously had another six months in the gym.
"They're running harder as well, so they're certainly significantly advanced compared to the team I saw out there last year."
Captain Gary Ablett is their star and he surely racked up another three Brownlow Medal votes at St Kilda's expense.
But the Suns also boast a powerful spine of key position players who have pace as well as height and strength.
Like Port Adelaide, they are lighting up this season with a commitment to hard running.
The Saints, by contrast, limp into their bye week with most of the back line sidelined with injuries.
While they did well to stop the damage in the second half, the damage was done.
"It's disappointing when the game's up for grabs that we get beaten so badly, particularly in the contest," Richardson said.
"When Gary's in that sort of form and they're getting first use, then you're a chance to get hurt and that was the case."
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