At this point in the season, a familiar narrative emerges: ‘Is this the most critical game in the history of the Gold Coast Suns?’ This storyline often accompanies Collingwood’s mid-winter visits, likely due to the anticipation of a better crowd than usual. The challenge for Gold Coast lies in their inconsistent approach, while Collingwood treats every match as a high-stakes affair.
The 2026 iteration of the Magpies presents no real mysteries. Their roster displays a noticeable imbalance, fraught with weaknesses across all positions. Despite having a few slower players in attack and a makeshift defense, their determination remains unwavering. They expose any vulnerabilities in their opponents, capitalizing on any lapses. Few teams manage to maximize their potential as effectively as they do.
The latest victory for Collingwood will be highlighted by Brayden Maynard’s confrontations with nearly every Suns player, alongside a $5,000 fine stemming from the AFL’s ambiguous regulations regarding umpire contact. Maynard embodies a player whose very presence suggests impending confrontation. He is adored by Collingwood fans, and Damien Hardwick would undoubtedly treasure having him on his roster.
Earlier this season, during a match against GWS at Docklands, Maynard delivered a dramatic late spoil that ricocheted into the stands, prompting his teammates to celebrate as if they were NFL linebackers savoring a sack. Numerous similar instances occurred over the weekend, but this game will be remembered for the vicious blow he received from Ben Long—an action the AFL tends to scrutinize less than accidental tackles.
Long appears capable of holding his own in a boxing ring—one of the few Suns players with a bit of grit. Maynard exhibits an almost Dermott Brereton-like desire for retribution on the field, and he reacted as if Long had set his house ablaze. Dermott Brereton himself commented on this during the Sunday Footy Show, responding to a suggestion that retaliation should not be justified:
“is this the most important game in the history of the Gold Coast Suns?”
Despite the theatrics, few can deny Maynard’s tough style of play. Battling through a potentially serious shoulder injury and possibly bruised ribs, he managed nine tackles. In stark contrast, the Suns had 15 players who registered either one tackle or none. Collectively, Collingwood outperformed the Suns by a staggering 32 tackles. While statistics can often mislead, this disparity was a clear indictment of the home side.
As is customary with the Suns, their goals came in bursts, often within three- to four-minute segments. Some moments showcased their talent, making Collingwood appear inferior. Notably, Christian Petracca executed an audacious banana kick from nearly 50 meters—a low-percentage play on any field. In those fleeting moments, they seemed unstoppable, like a team whose sheer skill would eventually dominate their honest but limited competitors. Yet, they continually fell short, a recurring theme every week and throughout the season.
In each of their six consecutive losses, the Suns weren’t atrocious. They exhibited periods where they clearly appeared superior. However, they lack the tenacity to fully commit. In one instance during the second quarter, Jeremy Howe launched himself to smother a certain Suns goal, a level of effort absent from Gold Coast’s players, most of whom were over a decade younger than him. The Magpies consistently dove into contests, sprinted back to maintain their defensive structure, and performed the dirty, thankless work. Such commitment was sorely lacking from the Suns, who seemed most engaged only during a half-time brawl. Hardwick remarked,
“I’ve always thought it should be,”
reflecting on the skirmish.
Post-match, Maynard was bruised and scratched, appearing to have suffered injury to numerous vital areas. Responding to Alastair Lynch, he stated,
“This is a game for robust men.”
“At the end of the day, boys will be boys,”
“If you are going to come and hit me cheaply, you are going to get some back,”
Lynch inquired,Maynard, visibly surprised, took a deep breath after three hours of combat and replied,
Indeed, bloody hell. While Brayden Maynard may not compare to Alex Ferguson, his sentiments encapsulate the emotional investment he has in the game and the effort he contributes. This club, precariously balancing on the edge of football’s abyss, continues to fight. After all, who would have taken seriously any words to that effect from a Gold Coast Sun?
