Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood Magpies: A Blockbuster AFL Round 18 Clash
On Friday, July 11, 2025, at 7:40 PM AEST, the Gold Coast Suns take on the Collingwood Magpies at People First Stadium in a Round 18 matchup that promises to be a defining moment in the 2025 AFL season. With the game already underway and Gold Coast leading 17 to 4 at the first quarter break, this sell-out clash is shaping up to be a thrilling contest with significant implications for both teams’ finals aspirations.
Match Context and Significance
This Round 18 encounter is more than just another game on the AFL calendar. For the Gold Coast Suns, currently positioned seventh on the ladder, a victory against the ladder-leading Collingwood Magpies would be a massive statement in their quest for a finals berth. The Suns have shown they can compete with the best, particularly at home, where they have maintained a strong record at People First Stadium. The sell-out crowd, the third consecutive sell-out for this fixture, underscores the excitement surrounding this matchup, with 23,029 fans attending the 2024 clash and a record 24,032 in 2013.
Collingwood, sitting atop the AFL ladder, are the team to beat in 2025. Under the guidance of coach Craig McRae, the Magpies have reinvented themselves, moving beyond their 2023 premiership form to create a new, dynamic playing style. A win here would further cement their dominance and send a strong message to their rivals as the season approaches its critical stages.
Team Form and Key Players
Gold Coast Suns
The Gold Coast Suns have shown significant improvement in their 15th AFL season, their second under senior coach Damien Hardwick. Their recent form includes a commanding 115-74 victory over Essendon in Round 17, where young captain Noah Anderson was instrumental, amassing 30 disposals and two goals. Anderson, the youngest captain in the AFL for 2025, has been a standout, leading a talented midfield that includes Matt Rowell, who recently celebrated his 100th game. Forward Ben King has been a reliable target, adding crucial goals, while defender Mac Andrew has impressed with his athleticism and ability to shut down opposition forwards. The Suns also welcomed mid-season rookie draftee Oscar Adams, who debuted against Essendon, and ruck Ned Moyle, who returned to the lineup for that game.
Despite their strong home form, the Suns have struggled on the road, with a seven-game losing streak away from home. However, their fortress-like record at People First Stadium gives them confidence heading into this clash. Coach Hardwick has emphasized a high-pressure, clearance-focused game plan, which will be critical against Collingwood’s potent midfield.
Collingwood Magpies
Collingwood has been the standout team of the 2025 season, with a dominant performance throughout the year. Their 56-point thrashing of Carlton in Round 15 at the MCG showcased their ability to overwhelm opponents, with midfielder Nick Daicos delivering 36 disposals, a goal, and 13 score involvements. Daicos, a frontrunner for the Brownlow Medal, has been the heartbeat of the Magpies’ midfield, supported by veterans like Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom. Forward Jamie Elliott is in career-best form, providing a dangerous option inside 50, while Bobby Hill and others contribute to Collingwood’s versatile scoring capabilities.
The Magpies’ reinvention under McRae has been a key factor in their success. As noted by ABC News, McRae’s focus on creating a new team identity has kept Collingwood ahead of the curve, with a seamless blend of experience and youth. Despite an injury setback to Jordan De Goey, who suffered a concussion in training, Collingwood’s depth has allowed them to maintain their momentum.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Gold Coast and Collingwood has produced some memorable moments. In their most recent encounter in Round 16 of 2024, the Suns pulled off a surprising 11-point victory at People First Stadium, with a final score of 101 (14.17) to 90 (13.12). This win was a significant milestone for Gold Coast, proving they could topple a premiership contender. However, Collingwood has historically dominated this fixture on the road, winning their previous five matches at People First Stadium by an average of 41 points. This history sets the stage for an intriguing battle, with the Suns looking to repeat their 2024 heroics and Collingwood aiming to reassert their dominance.
| Head-to-Head History | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Meeting (2024) | Gold Coast 101 def. Collingwood 90 (Round 16, People First Stadium) |
| Collingwood’s Away Record | Won last 5 matches at People First Stadium by avg. 41 points |
| Largest Crowd | 24,032 (2013, Gold Coast vs Collingwood) |
Match Preview and Predictions
Experts are predicting a tightly contested match, with Stats Insider’s predictive model giving both teams an equal 50% chance of winning based on 10,000 simulations. Betting odds reflect this closeness, with Bet365 listing Collingwood at $1.75 and Gold Coast at $2.15 as of July 11, 2025. The Suns will rely on their midfield, led by Anderson and Rowell, to win clearances and set the tone early. Their defensive pressure, exemplified by players like Mac Andrew and Ben Long, will be crucial in containing Collingwood’s dynamic forward line.
Collingwood, meanwhile, will look to impose their fast-paced, transition-heavy style of play. Daicos and Pendlebury’s ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities will test Gold Coast’s resolve. The Magpies’ depth, even without De Goey, gives them an edge, but the Suns’ home ground advantage and recent upset win add an element of unpredictability.
Key matchups to watch include:
- Noah Anderson vs Nick Daicos: A battle of young stars, with Anderson’s leadership and Daicos’s brilliance set to shape the midfield contest.
- Ben King vs Collingwood’s Defense: King’s ability to take strong marks and convert will be critical against Collingwood’s backline.
- Gold Coast’s Pressure vs Collingwood’s Transition: The Suns’ high-pressure game plan will aim to disrupt Collingwood’s smooth ball movement.
Current Match Status
As of the first quarter break on July 11, 2025, the Gold Coast Suns lead Collingwood 17 to 4. The Suns have started strongly, capitalizing on their home ground advantage and applying intense pressure to disrupt Collingwood’s usual flow. Key moments include Gold Coast’s dominance in contested possessions and their ability to convert early scoring opportunities. Collingwood, despite their slow start, remains a formidable opponent, and their response in the second quarter will be critical.
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 11, 2025 |
| Time | 7:40 PM AEST |
| Venue | People First Stadium, Gold Coast |
| Current Score (Q1 Break) | Gold Coast 17, Collingwood 4 |
| Broadcast | Seven/Fox |
Conclusion
The Gold Coast Suns vs Collingwood Magpies clash is a pivotal moment in the 2025 AFL season. For the Suns, a win would be a monumental step toward securing a finals spot and proving their credentials against the league’s best. For Collingwood, it’s an opportunity to reinforce their status as premiership favorites and overcome their 2024 loss to the Suns. With the match already underway and Gold Coast holding an early lead, fans are in for an intense and high-quality contest that could shape the finals race.
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