The 11.11 (77) to 9.14 (68) loss on Sunday at a blustery People First Stadium was the Suns' eighth consecutive defeat, further eroding their slim hopes of sneaking into a top 10 position.
For the Bulldogs, the victory cements them in seventh and gives them breathing space over the chasing pack in and around that crucial 10th position on the ladder.
Gold Coast's loss came despite the Suns having 91 more disposals, nine more clearances and 11 more inside 50s than the visitors.
Hardwick conceded a 10-minute period in the third quarter, in which the Bulldogs kicked five-goals-to-none, was symptomatic of a wider issue in his team of not capitalising when the game is on the line.
"We won clearances by a lot," Hardwick said.
"We smacked them in contested ball. We smacked them in tackles. We smacked them in inside 50s.
"We lost the game.
"At the end of the day, the game looks like a Suns game for 80 per cent (but) for 20 per cent it comes out of reach.
"Credit to the Bulldogs, they defended quite well, but we had shots on goal that we should have scored, and we didn't score.
"Our guys are paid to kick goals, and unfortunately, if you don't, it comes back to haunt you in a close-finishing game."
The Suns' lack of cutting edge was epitomised by an off day in front of goal for Ben King, with the key forward finishing with 1.4.
Christian Petracca did kick two goals but was also responsible for a crucial third-quarter clanger which allowed Rory Lobb to score during that match-winning burst by the Bulldogs.
In a team shorn of Tom Liberatore (soreness) and Riley Garcia (hamstring tightness) and missing Bailey Dale for the first time since 2020, superstar Marcus Bontempelli delivered where the Suns couldn't - in crucial moments.
The Bulldogs' captain kicked three goals, including two in the first quarter, while Matthew Kennedy celebrated the birth of his second child with three majors of his own.
Bailey Humphrey was busy with 29 disposals and 765 metres gained while for the Suns, Petracca and Leo Lombard kicked two goals each with Touk Miller (39 disposals, five tackles, nine clearances) and Matt Rowell (26 disposals, 11 tackles and eight clearances) dominant in midfield.
"To come in at halftime and settle, and then have a third quarter like we did was impressive by the boys," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.
"It probably got a little bit shaky right at the end, but really pleased with the outcome ... we've won a few important ones interstate, and this is just as important as any."
Gold Coast travel to face Carlton next week while the Bulldogs are at home against Richmond.
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