AURORA Stadium has long been Hawthorn's second home and for some veteran Hawks, their games tally at the northern Tasmanian venue is now well into double figures.

Isaac Smith was playing his first meaningful game at the venue, however, and like his teammates, seems to have developed an instant love affair with the place.

"Absolutely perfect place to play footy," he buzzed after Hawthorn's 71-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday. "Just like playing on carpet."

With its length, wide wings and excellent surface, Aurora Stadium could prove to be a perfect fit for Smith, whose acceleration and long kicking are suited by the venue.

This was illustrated perfectly in the opening term when he snapped the Hawks out of their lethargy with a pair of running goals. By quarter-time, the Hawks had edged ahead and were on their way.

"It was good to get on the end of a couple," Smith said after the match. "It took us a bit of time to get ourselves going but it ended up being a good win.

"Everyone chipped in."

According to Smith it was a match of contested possessions and for a time, the Suns held sway. But once the Hawks could play the game on their terms and the bigger bodies played their part, the home team came out on top.

Smith, drafted by Hawthorn with its first selection in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft - the 16th overall - was playing just his third match for the season. He made his debut against Port Adelaide in round seven and backed up against St Kilda the following week before being derailed by a hamstring twinge.

The calf injury to fellow wingman Clinton Young last week opened the door for the 22-year-old and with 21 touches on top of those two goals, he appeared to grab his opportunity with both hands.

His speed, flair and ability to find the goals would make him a likely chance to stay in the side for Hawthorn's big fortnight ahead with MCG engagements against Essendon and Collingwood.

"There's a lot of pressure for spots in the side when everyone's up and about, so you have to play really well when the opportunity presents itself," Smith said.

"I was blowing a bit, but my fitness is really good. Being the sort of player I am, I will drift in and out of the game a little bit."

It was a strange build-up for both sides, forced to travel to Launceston a day early because of the complications volcanic ash cloud caused to flights across the southern part of the country over the last few days.

The Suns had the worst of it after mechanical issues caused their flight to be diverted to Hobart, meaning their door-to-door commute lasted about 12 hours. For the Hawks it meant an extra day kicking around a town some know better than others.

Smith said the Hawks didn't do much differently in the build-up despite the change of locale. But he did take the opportunity to play tourist and get to know Launceston just that little bit better. "I saw the monkeys," he said referring to Monkey Island, an enclosure within the Launceston City Park that houses a group of macaques.

Before long, Smith won't feel the need to see the sights of Launceston. Like many at Hawthorn, he will feel right at home.