This time of year often brings the question.
“is this the most important game in the history of the Gold Coast Suns?”
It’s a narrative frequently associated with Collingwood’s mid-winter match, largely because it attracts a significant crowd. The Suns struggle, among other issues, as this Collingwood team approaches each match with unwavering seriousness, while the Suns tend to choose their moments.
The 2026 version of the Pies presents no real mystery. Their roster has notable imbalances, with weaknesses evident in every area. They possess some underperformers in the attack and are addressing deficiencies in defense. Yet, their dedication is unwavering. They clearly communicate their standing to opponents, ready to exploit any vulnerabilities or lapses. Few teams maximize their potential as effectively as they do.
The recent victory will be remembered not only for Brayden Maynard’s confrontational style against virtually every Suns player but also for his $5,000 fine related to the AFL’s vague enforcement of contact with umpires. Maynard embodies a player who seems perpetually on the brink of confrontation, with his demeanor and style communicating a readiness for battle. Collingwood fans admire him, and coach Damien Hardwick would be eager to include him in his lineup.
Earlier this season, during a game at the Docklands against GWS, Maynard executed a dramatic spoil that reverberated through the crowd, earning a celebration reminiscent of NFL linebackers reveling in a successful tackle. This weekend featured numerous similar instances, yet it will be particularly noted for the hard hit he took from Ben Long, a blow the AFL tends to handle more leniently than unintentional tackles.
Long appears as someone who could thrive in a boxing ring—one of the few Suns players with a bit of grit. Maynard, driven by a fierce desire for retribution reminiscent of Dermott Brereton, continued to play with intensity, as if Long had personally affronted him. The ever-enthusiastic Derm commented the following day on the Sunday Footy Show regarding a remark about retaliation not being a valid defense:
“I’ve always thought it should be,”
Setting aside the theatrics, it is undeniable that Maynard plays with a physical edge. Despite nursing a sore shoulder and possibly a bruised rib, he made nine tackles. In comparison, the Suns had 15 players who either made one tackle or none at all. Collectively, Collingwood outperformed them with 32 more tackles. Such statistics can often mislead, but in this context, they serve as a critique of the home team.
The Suns, as is customary, scored their goals in bursts lasting three to four minutes. Some of their best moments made Collingwood appear inferior. Notably, Christian Petracca executed a remarkable banana kick goal from nearly 50 meters, a challenging feat on the field. They exhibit moments of sheer talent that suggest they could eventually overpower their earnest yet limited opponents. Yet, this potential never materializes. This pattern repeats weekly and across seasons.
As with their six consecutive defeats, the Suns were not abysmal; there were stretches where they looked superior. However, they lack the grit needed to fight through adversity. For instance, during the second quarter, Jeremy Howe made an impressive dive to block a certain Suns goal, demonstrating commitment that was absent among Gold Coast players, most of whom are over a decade younger than him. The Pies aggressively contested battles, hurried back to maintain their defense, and committed to hard work, while the Suns hardly exhibited similar resolve. Their only moment of engagement seemed to occur during a halftime scuffle, with Hardwick remarking,
“This is a game for robust men.”
Post-match, Maynard emerged marked with bruises and scratches, appearing to have sustained injuries to several key areas. He told Alastair Lynch,
“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,”
“It genuinely means a lot to you, doesn’t it?”
Lynch then asked,Taken aback, Maynard took a deep breath for the first time in hours and replied,
Indeed, bloody hell. While Brayden Maynard may not be Alex Ferguson, his sentiments encapsulate the passion and commitment he brings, reflecting how much he invests in the game and how this club, precariously positioned in the sport, continues to battle on. After all, who would take a Gold Coast Sun seriously if they expressed such fervor?
