The changes
The Suns have named Brandon Matera and Jarrod Harbrow for their first senior games of 2017.
Harbrow, who enters his 11th season in the league, endured a limited pre-season due to ankle surgery but poses as a threat to the Hawks with his speed and ball-use off the half-back line.
While Matera will be hoping he can continue his strong form, after a four-goal, 31-disposal performance for the Suns’ NEAFL side last week.
Read: Which Gold Coast player always performs well against the Hawks?
What to expect
Much of the Suns’ star-power lies in their midfield, with names like Gary Ablett, Aaron Hall, Michael Barlow and David Swallow pivotal to their team’s structure.
The Suns are at their best when they are winning the contested ball at the source and then putting their opponents to the sword with their run and spread from the stoppage.
Despite scoring the third least points in the league across the opening fortnight of the season, the Suns have the potency to resolve their scoring issues.
Co-captain Tom Lynch is a superstar of the competition, who had the highest league-wide average of contested marks in 2016, as well as kicking 66 goals for the year.
The Suns rely heavily on their key-forward and there is no wonder that their slow start to the year coincides with a quiet two games from Lynch.
Players to watch
Gary Ablett has endured one of the tougher weeks of his career, with speculation and criticism surrounding his preparation for the Hawks on Sunday.
The dual Brownlow medallist has repeatedly responded to such weeks throughout his career with dominant performances, so the Hawks will be hopeful they can delay such a game from the ‘Little Master’.
Since heading north over the off-season, former Magpie Jarrod Witts has impressed in his opening two games at his new club.
The 208cm giant has been able to consistently give his midfielders first use, averaging 32 hit-outs, and will prove a key component to Sunday’s all-important midfield battle.
Read: The Ghost of Glenferrie analyses Hawthorn's season start
