When it rains, it pours. Sam Day hadn’t kicked a goal in his last six matches, but the athletic forward was instrumental in Gold Coast’s stunning win over Collingwood, finishing with a match-high four goals.

The South Australian kicked two vital final quarter goals; the first came from a free kick early in the term, while the second turned out to be the game-winner. He marked just inside the arc after an errant defensive clearance and banged through a line drive from 50 to put his team up by 10 points at the 24-minute mark.

He finished with 13 touches and eight marks in a tireless performance which earnt rave reviews from coach Guy McKenna, who admitted Day’s place in the side had been under threat of late.

“The axe had been sharpened and ready,” McKenna said. “And he probably got a stay of execution because of our structure. We don’t have Dan Gorringe with his hamstring and Tommy Nicholls.

“There was a bit of faith, if you like, shown in Sammy. To his credit, as well, to kick 4.1, and really show that and really hang on and fight like he did.

“It was pleasing for him, too, because he’s worked pretty hard and hasn’t got the results like the other two fellas have.”

Charlie Dixon was the team’s strongest forward in a scrappy first half effort from the GC SUNS, but he missed the second half after he copped a corked calf.

It was the catalyst for Day to step up and kick his second four goal haul for the season.

“Maybe Charlie coming off, all of a sudden he saw himself as the pea and he really stood up tonight,” McKenna said.

“We were very thankful of that, that’s for sure.”

Tom Lynch was also a tower of strength in the final term as he hauled himself all over the forward half of the ground and he finished with four marks inside 50.

“Tommy Lynch, as our vice-captain, he just doesn’t give up,” McKenna said. “He was super.

“His ability to find himself free, that’s just testament to his work-rate.”