St Kilda have marched to a comfortable 53-point win over Gold Coast, moving clear on top of the AFL ladder for the first time since 2009.
Jack Higgins kicked five goals as Mitch Owens and Jack Sinclair starred in the Saints' 17.11 (113) to 8.12 (60) victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
It was their fourth straight win to start the season, leaving Ross Lyon's new-look outfit as the last side with a perfect record.
St Kilda (4-0) sit two points clear of their nearest rivals Carlton (3-1-0).
Greater tests lie ahead, starting with a clash against flag fancies Collingwood next round.
Second-year forward Owens (27 disposals, two goals) and All-Australian half-back Sinclair (31 disposals) were outstanding in the Saints' latest triumph, set up with a five-goal burst during the second term.
Seb Ross (30 disposals, five clearances, one goal), Brad Hill (22 touches, two goals) and Brad Crouch (34 disposals, six clearances) helped blow Gold Coast away after quarter-time.
But the victory came at a cost when substitute Jack Bytel was helped off the field with a left ankle injury just minutes after being thrust into the game in the final term.
Touk Miller (32 disposals, 10 clearances), Noah Anderson (37 disposals, 10 tackles, seven clearances) and Lachie Weller (30 touches) were among the Suns' best.
Gold Coast lost co-captain Jarrod Witts (soreness) before the opening bounce, leaving debutant Ned Moyle to battle in the ruck against Rowan Marshall.
They started well but failed to capitalise on early territorial dominance as the lead changed hands four times during the first quarter.
Higgins provided the Saints' spark in attack with three goals in the second term as they skipped 22 points clear by half-time.
It was party time in the third quarter as Hill and Owens kicked goals for the highlights reel and the margin ballooned to 47 points.
St Kilda were never seriously tested after the main break as they marked their best start to a season since a 4-0 opening in 2010.
