Another week, another thrashing for Gold Coast.

The axe shelved last week by Suns coach Rodney Eade looks set to swing after Melbourne came alive in the second half to run out 73-point AFL winners on Saturday night.

The Demons (4-3) remain in touch with the top eight after launching a stunning third-quarter assault to overwhelm the Suns 24.16 (160) to 14.3 (87) in front of a 12,780-strong Metricon Stadium crowd.

Eade opted not to make widespread changes after their last-round, 120-point humiliation at the hands of Geelong to give players one last chance to “show their worth”.

But it seems his hand has been forced after the Suns’ listless second-half display.

Melbourne kicked eight unanswered goals on either side of halftime to turn a five-point lead at the main break to 44 by the final interval.

Ruckman Max Gawn (46 hitouts, two goals, 17 touches) dominated as the Demons finished with eight players two or more goals.

Melbourne dominated most categories, including inside 50s (75-35), disposals (412-317) and clearances (48-30).

Star forward Tom Lynch almost singlehandedly kept the hosts in the contest in the first half, booting four majors as Melbourne snuck ahead 8.7 (55) to 8.2 (50) at halftime.

Then all hell broke loose.

Melbourne kicked nine goals to three in the third term as their statistical dominance finally showed where it counted – on the scoreboard.

Overall, the Demons booted 16 second-half goals to six to bounce back from their 39-point last-round loss to St Kilda.

Suns captain and dual Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett was again quiet despite finishing with 22 touches and two goals.

To add injury to insult, the Suns lost Alex Sexton (suspected broken arm) and Matt Rosa (hamstring).