Collingwood have started life without Brodie Grundy by dominating Gold Coast early for a 25-point AFL win.
Brody Mihocek kicked four goals and midfielder Patrick Lipinski racked up 30 possessions on Sunday at the MCG as the Magpies won 17.13 (115) to 14.6 (90).
Grundy is out for months with the knee injury he suffered on Anzac Day and Suns co-captain Jarrod Witts took full toll in the ruck.
Despite Witts' strong form and Suns midfielder Touk Miller being best afield, Gold Coast paid dearly for their poor first quarter.
After Gold Coast kicked the first two goals of the game inside three minutes, Collingwood went on a seven-goal run that would form the bedrock of their win.
They repeatedly pounced on Suns turnovers and quickly amassed a 32-point lead late in the opening term that proved a crucial buffer.
The Suns counter-attacked, reducing the margin to 13 points early in the second term and then nine points early in the third.
But each time, the Magpies' strong first term meant they could absorb the Gold Coast momentum and then quickly ease the pressure with a rebounding goal.
Anzac Day Medallist Jack Ginnivan lived up to his growing reputation early in the second term, dodging three Suns opponents in the forward pocket to kick a goal of the year contender.
The game was still in the balance at 22 minutes into the third term, with the Suns only 13 points down and putting fierce pressure on Collingwood.
But Ginnivan marked in the goal square and his third goal cracked Gold Coast's resistance.
Collingwood kicked another two goals to end the quarter, giving them a 31-point lead.
The Suns kept pressing but Callum Brown's goal at 23 minutes into the last quarter from a blocking free was the sealer.
Miller continued his strong form with a game-high 36 disposals and two goals, while Witts racked up 45 hitouts and Levi Casboult kicked four goals for Gold Coast.
