Hearts break as Collingwood’s comeback fall short against inspired Gold Coast Suns
Gold Coast broke Collingwood hearts after putting paid to a huge Magpies comeback with a monumental finish of their own.
The Suns led by 32 points at the end of the third quarter, but Collingwood’s experience in close games looked to matter when they took the lead four minutes from time on six unanswered goals.
In front of a sell-out crowd of 23,029, Bodhi Uwland kicked one and Ben Long scored before Ben Ainsworth added another.
Get the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
There were three minutes remaining but a gutsy Suns defense led by ruckman Jarrod Witts despite a knock to the back ensured there would be no miracle for the reigning premiers.
Gold Coast’s 14.17 (101) to 13.12 (90) victory maintained an unbeaten record at home and Damien Hardwick’s side are now ninth on the ladder – one of eight teams with eight wins so far this season.
Collingwood still top that group thanks to an extra four points from their two ties, with Brisbane next up as a result of their own draw.
Gold Coast have not finished round nine this late in the season since 2014, the year Gary Ablett’s injured shoulder scuppered their finals hopes.
But now they’re close in the tight season as they finally break their September drought.
Ben King kicked four goals while Noah Anderson (38 disposals) was everywhere and Sam Flanders (33 touches and one goal) was also prolific.
Collingwood looked destined for another final-quarter fairytale when the returning Jordan de Gowey (21 touches, two goals) cleared a tackle and booted a scrum-half goal from the pocket.
Nick Dykos (32 touches, two goals) then went it alone from the center rebound to make it a four-point game.
Nathan Kruger was the man to push the visitors ahead before the Suns puffed out their chests and found a response.
It was a chess match between the two sides early on, Gold Coast pushed forward and the Magpies responded with three failed goals from their defence.
The Suns didn’t mark Daicos, instead bolstering their midfield to go toe-to-toe with the Magpies.
The home side’s pressure increased in the second half, keeping the visitors scoreless until Josh Dykos’ goal three minutes before half-time reduced the deficit to 20.
Collingwood were the better of the third term as well, with Nick Dykos eventually converting their territory to make it a 12-point game.
The Suns kicked the next three and King added his fourth as they threatened to clear before the inevitable but ultimately unsuccessful Magpies kick.
– with AAP