Gold Coast Suns snagged a big six-point win over ladder leaders Collingwood in a nail-biting encounter at People First Stadium. The final scores read 10.9 (69) to 8.15 (63), marking one of the Suns’ biggest wins in club history. The Suns now have an 11–5 win-loss record with this win, pushing for their first finals berth.
Hardwick’s men were well and truly dominant in the first half, before withstanding Magpies’ fiery comeback. The Gold Coast is currently fifth on the very edge of September action in 2025.
Final scoreboard: Gold Coast Suns 10.9 (69) vs Collingwood Magpies 8.15 (63)
Why did the Suns dominate early?
The first half belonged to Gold Coast. They put on six goals without response, while Collingwood were held goalless for the first time since 2021. At the half, Suns were up by 40; Collingwood’s scoreboard read 0.8, their worst under the coaching of Craig McRae.
Anderson and Rowell destroyed the Magpies midfield for Hardwick. Rowell was phenomenal, racking up 32 disposals, 12 clearances, 13 tackles, and two goals. Anderson also accumulated 32 touches of his own, culminating with a solo goal late in the final term that sealed the win.
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What went wrong for Collingwood?
In his post-match press briefing, McRae stated, “I really felt that we did not get our hands dirty enough.” The Magpies were conversely beaten at the stoppages, losing clearances 49-34. In relation to the second-half rally, the first two quarters were the cost of the game.
Daicos came up with the first two goals of the second term and continued on to have sixteen disposals. Some key chances were missed in a hot and cold 8.15, comprising those errors glaringly in front of goal. Their kicks became something less efficient under pressure. McRae singled out a lack of grit around the contest.
Touk Miller injury sours Suns celebrations
Gold Coast’s prize win along with co-captain Touk Miller’s hamstring injury. He hobbled out in the second quarter and never came back. The Coach confirmed the injury after games, calling it “minor strain”.
Stark was Miller’s absence from the second half as Collingwood began to lift.In two weeks, the Suns will be hoping to have him back before the big one against Brisbane. His leadership and endurance are Queen in Gold Coast’s race for the finals.
While acknowledging Miller’s importance, Hardwick prefaced the comment by stating the rest of the side stepped up in his absence. Ben Long, Wil Powell, and Bailey Humphrey all produced big moments late in the match.
Touk Miller leaves the field clutching his hamstring, sparking concern for the Suns’ finals hopes.
Can the Suns maintain this form?
Hardwick urged them to focus on the next challenge.
“We’ll enjoy it, but we’ve got work to do,” he said to the media after the match.
“We’ve got a job to do on Monday, and I’m sure we’ll be attacking it.”
Next up for the Suns is Adelaide, then QClash rivals Brisbane. Probably three wins from the remaining six matches should see them make their first-ever finals appearance. But Hardwick wants consistency; he wants teams to put in consistently instead of just in such big games as the one they played today.
Rowell and Anderson are just continuing to stay at elite levels, really driving the Suns’ contested game. The forward line is inconsistent in its ability to apply pressure and create second chances.
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What does this mean for Collingwood?
Collingwood nonetheless stands atop the 2025 AFL ladder at 14 wins and 2 losses. Their lead is still 10 points, and finals are guaranteed. But this result also shows their susceptibility, especially in contested footy and stoppages.
A key forward, Mihocek, was stopped from scoring. De Goey had little influence on the game, and Moore was contested constantly in the air. The Pies have to quickly reset, heading into finals with other top-eight sides on the move.
McRae confirmed that they will be looking at form and selection options over the coming weeks. “We’ll learn from this. We always do,” he said post-match.
Also Read: Queensland Clinch 2025 Origin Series With Stunning Game 3 Victory
Suns vs Collingwood: Key Moments and Takeaways
The Gold Coast Suns won a thriller by six points to mark an historic occasion against Collingwood at People First Stadium. The Suns were dominant in the first stanza, putting up a big 40 points whilst keeping the Magpies goalless. The strong resurgence of the Pies almost saw them tally up a win, but Lords Rowell and Anderson pulled through late gates to cement the victory.
Co-captain Touk Miller picked up a hamstring-gate injury that will certainly be some cause for concern, more so with a tough run home coming up. The take-away from this victory is the Suns going fifth on the 2025 AFL ladder, which only raises their hopes toward their maiden finals berth. Collingwood stays top but must fix its poor start to the season plus the middle before action takes place in September.
Match Highlights:
- Venue: People First Stadium
- Final Score: Gold Coast 10.9 (69) def. Collingwood 8.15 (63)
- Best Players: Rowell, Anderson, Daicos
- Injury: Touk Miller (GC, Hamstring)
- Ladder Impact: Suns 5th (11–5), Collingwood 1st (14–2)
