Collingwood's stunning second-half comeback fell just short as Gold Coast saluted in epic fashion, securing a season-defining six-point win on Friday night.

A sold-out People First Stadium was witness to one of the games of the season, the Suns getting out to a 40-point lead before a customary fightback from the Pies almost snatched the unlikeliest of wins.

The Magpies hit the front midway through the final quarter after Jamie Elliott kicked his third goal, but Gold Coast responded and steadied to hold on for the 10.9 (69) to 8.15 (63) victory.

It was a statement win from the Suns, who are gunning for a spot in the top eight for the first time in the club's history. Gold Coast moves into fifth spot on the ladder following the win, while the Magpies retain top spot with a six-point buffer on Brisbane in second place.

Collingwood couldn't buy a goal before half-time, the Pies going without a major in the first half for the first time since 2021, while their 0.8 scoreline was their lowest half-time score ever under coach Craig McRae.

The Pies finally registered their first goal 15 minutes into the third quarter when Tim Membrey converted, and the dam wall opened, with the ladder-leaders kicking three in quick succession and looked like they could be about to launch another routine comeback.

But the Suns steadied, kicking the final goal of the third term to push the margin back out to 28-points at the final change and holding off a final-quarter surge from their visitors to secure the famous win.

GOLD COAST       2.5    6.7    8.9    10.9 (69)
COLLINGWOOD   0.4    0.8    3.11    8.15 (63)

GOALS
Gold Coast: Rowell 2, King 2, Rioli, Read, Humphrey, Long, Clohesy, Anderson
Collingwood: Elliott 3, J.Daicos 2, Membrey 2, Schultz

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Miller (hamstring)
Collingwood: Howe (groin)

SUBSTITUTES
Gold Coast: David Swallow (replaced Touk Miller in the second quarter)
Collingwood: Scott Pendlebury (replaced Jeremy Howe at half-time)

Crowd: 22,831 at People First Stadium