4.12pmNine losses in a row: Gold Coast’s sorry collapseBy Gold Coast’s nightmare season has continued, losing to inspired Carlton by 13 points at Marvel Stadium for a ninth-straight defeat.Trailing by 12 points at the final break, the Suns opened the last quarter with three clutch goals to reclaim the lead.But the final term followed the script of the first three quarters – Gold Coast start strongly, before the Blues break away late in the term.George Hewett stepped up with a huge goal, while off-season recruit Will Hayward sealed the 16.14 (110) to 15.7 (97) win for the Blues with five minutes remaining.Premiership favourites early in the season after a superb start in March, as well as coming off a semi-final appearance last year, the Suns’ campaign has descended into chaos.4.11pmReckoning day for BombersBy Hi folks, it’s Danny Russell jumping in the chair to follow the footy for the rest of the day.We’ve got the Hawthorn and Essendon about to kick off at the MCG, and we’ll soon get a taste of whether the Bombers have improved.Essendon excitement machine Isaac Kako warms up for the Hawthorn clash.Getty ImagesLast week, they caused one of the upsets of the season by downing Greater Western Sydney. Few, if any, saw that coming - their second win for the year. But Hawthorn still have plenty to play for. Sam Mitchell’s men will be keen to bank the four points and keep their position in the top four.3.47pm‘Starting to mature’By Skipper Patrick Cripps said the Blues were delighted to remain in contention for a top-10 berth.“We have held the energy all the way through … I feel we are starting to mature as a side,” Cripps, with 30 touches, including 15 clearances, told Kayo Sports.“Four games to go, we are still in the mix - that’s where you want to be.”The midfield master said Talor Byrne was the new cult hero, the young, speedy forward having 12 score involvements.The Blues have won eight of 10 games under caretaker coach Josh Fraser.3.42pmIt’s all over ...By The Blues have held on for a 13-point win - 16.14 (110) to 15.7 (97) - over the Suns, ensuring they remain in contention for a wildcard round. That snaps a two-game losing streak, while compounding the Suns’ misery, for they have slipped to a ninth-straight loss.3.39pmPetracca, Lombard in a tense verbal exchangeBy Suns forward Leo Lombard and teammate Christian Petracca were involved a tense exchange late in the final quarter at Marvel Stadium.With the Suns trailing, Lombard sharked a ruck tap inside attacking 50m and attempted to find space to snap for goal, only to be tackled by Carlton defender Lachie Cowan, brought to the ground and penalised for holding the ball.Good afternoon: The Blues have taken control.Getty ImagesPetracca, who had been in a position to accept a handball from Lombard, then appeared to direct a terse word at Lombard, who replied by directing an expletive at Petracca.“Maybe a word for a teammate, that wasn’t appreciated,” AFL great Jason Dunstall noted on Kayo Sports’ commentary.Lombard could have also handballed to teammate Ben Long, rather than taken on the Blues’ defender.After a bright start to the quarter, it fell away for the Suns, the Blues booting clear to lead by 20 points.3.27pmBlues in control ...By Forward Brodie Kemp could have attempted a snap at goal but finds Mitch McGovern in the opposite pocket for mark. McGovern snaps successfully - the Blues lead by two goals. Is there a late twist?3.22pmHewett steps upBy This is too hard to call. George Hewett wins a free kick for a high tackle from Touk Miller, and converts from about 35m in front. The Blues lead by a goal. Hewett has three goals - the first time he has done so in a decade.3.19pmBlues bite back; Walsh monitoredBy Ben Ainsworth responds for the Blues with a mark and goal, but Sam Walsh has come to the bench for a HIA assessment after he copped a “falcon”. The Blues will hope he is fine.3.17pmThat’s three in a row for the SunsBy Bailey Humphrey continues to exert influence, this time a bullet pass from the left forward pocket finding Beau Addinsall in front of the big sticks, who runs in and boots his first senior goal. The Suns lead by six points. We have had eight lead changes today. This is far from over.Working hard: The Suns and Blues today.Getty Images3.14pmSuns are … risingBy That’s two straight for the Suns, this time Dylan Patterson finding Jed Walter on the leader for a mark and goal from just inside the boundary. The Suns lead by a point five minutes into this term.1 of 5