Now they’ve exploded into the AFL top four, Gold Coast must survive a searching six-week test to stay there.

The Suns jumped two places into third spot with Sunday’s 45-point win over the Western Bulldogs at home.

The 18.11 (109) to 10.14 (74) win – their fifth in succession – puts them behind second-placed Geelong only on percentage.

This is the first time Gold Coast have been so high on the ladder.

They were on track to take second spot from the Cats before the Bulldogs rallied in the last term to prevent a blowout loss.

But now the Suns must prove they are worthy of such a lofty position, starting with next Sunday’s trip to imposing Adelaide Oval against the Crows.

Then come Sydney (home), West Coast (away), Geelong (home), the tough trip to Hawthorn’s second home in Launceston and Collingwood (home).

They will do well to still be in the top eight, let alone the top four, when they have their return match against the Bulldogs on July 12 in Cairns.

The `Dogs impressed in the first half and only trailed by six points at the main break.

But Gold Coast hit the turbocharger in the third term, kicking eight goals to one.

Suns captain Gary Ablett struggled early against a strong tag from Liam Picken and let the umpires know about the attention he was receiving.

“Obviously he has a role to play – he did a good job,” Ablett told Channel Seven.

“I started to get away from him, but … I have a role to play for the team.”

Ablett also hurt his arm in the first term and suffered a knock on the head from Adam Cooney, who was booked for the front-on contact.

“I’m a bit sore, but that’s footy,” Ablett said.

The match review panel will probably throw out the Cooney charge.

As much as the AFL would love the Suns’ breakout form, their stunning rise also throws a harsh light on fellow expansion club Greater Western Sydney.

The Giants were woeful on Saturday, losing to Richmond at home by 113 points as Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt put a controversial few days behind him with a career-best 11 goals.

While GWS entered the AFL a year behind the Suns, they look like they will need a lot more than one more season to challenge for the top eight.

Also this weekend, Port Adelaide added to their growing reputation with a pulsating 14-point win over reigning premiers Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.

Collingwood came from behind for a gutsy eight-point win over West Coast at the MCG after losing key defender Nathan Brown with another shoulder injury.

Geelong stars Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly and Tom Hawkins were outstanding on Friday night as the Cats blew North Melbourne away early and won at home by 20 points.