Where and when: MCG, Sunday August 4, 1.10pm AEST

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What it means for Collingwood: An absolute must-win game and preferably a percentage-booster for an injury-plagued, out-of-form team that still hopes to have an impact in the finals. Lose here and they might well be free in September.

What it means for Gold Coast: After coming within a whisker of upsetting Essendon at home, a win over Collingwood at the home of football would be a great way for the bottom team to break a 14-game drought.

The stat: The two teams have met in Melbourne just twice and on both occasions the Magpies posted landslide victories – by 97 points at the MCG in round 10, 2012 (the Suns' second season), and by 71 points at Docklands in round 22, 2016.

The match-up: Brodie Grundy v Jarrod Witts

Grundy (the second-ranked ruckman at No. 3 overall in the Official AFL Player Ratings) has had another huge season, but was below his best in the loss to Richmond and is expected to face stiff resistance from in-form Suns co-captain Witts (the ninth-ranked ruckman at No. 70), who left Collingwood at the end of 2016 for more opportunity.

It’s a big week for: Mason Cox

The Magpie giant contributed 18 goals in his first 11 outings this season, but has been held goalless in the past two rounds while averaging just 7.5 touches and 3.5 marks. As is the case with 100-game goalsneak Jamie Elliott, the 'American Pie' has probably kept his spot because of the Woods' injury crisis.

Big call: The Suns will again surrender a late lead, providing some respite for the under-siege Woods.

Prediction: Magpies by 19 points