Collingwood have eased the pressure on coach Nathan Buckley with a nailbiting 15-point AFL win over Gold Coast.
The lead changed hands five times in a see-sawing, momentum-shifting contest on Saturday at Metricon Stadium.
But the Magpies finished stronger, prevailing 15.13 (103) to 13.10 (88) to snap a four-game losing streak in slippery conditions.
It all but extinguishes the Suns' feint finals hopes, while keeping Collingwood's alive, at least mathematically.
It comes as a massive relief for Buckley after his position had come under intense scrutiny this week.
"We had better consistency across the board with effort," Buckley said.
"We've had our challenges over the last couple of weeks to maintain the rage across the four quarters.
"We didn't have as many lulls - we were able to maintain that rage for a bit longer tonight."
Yet the result will do no favours for Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade, who is fighting for his own future at the AFL underachievers, against the backdrop of an all-encompassing football review being conducted by CEO Mark Evans.
The Suns played out the second half with only two men on the bench, after an early injury to co-captain Steven May (hamstring) and the loss of in-form midfielder Jarryd Lyons (ankle) at the long break.
They seemed to run out of legs in the end, with a 25-metre soccered goal from Josh Thomas and a quick follow-up from Ben Reid sealing it for the Magpies in front of 17,275 supporters.
"I could be diplomatic and say it's no excuse. But it has an effect, whether it gets us over the line or not," Eade said.
"Twofold - you miss their talent, and (there's a) cumulative load it puts on the other guys."
Eade expects May will miss two to three weeks, while Lyons has escaped ligament damage, but has suspected bone bruising. He will be sent for a MRI scan to determine the severity.
Collingwood led by 27 points early in the second term after a run of six consecutive goals.
But as heavy rain began to tumble at Carrara, their stranglehold on the match loosened and the Suns booted seven of the next eight majors to set up an enthralling contest, even if scrappy at times.
Making his return from a hamstring injury, Gary Ablett spent most of the match in midfield and dominated for the Suns with 41 disposals, 11 clearances and six tackles.
Collingwood had an even spread of contributors, with Taylor Adams (31 touches, nine clearances), Adam Treloar (32 disposals) and Jordan De Goey (27 disposals) all impressive, while Daniel Wells was inventive and Reid finished with three goals.
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