Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder in Saturday’s AFL clash with Collingwood.

In what could be a huge blow to the Suns’ finals hopes, Ablett dislocated his left shoulder nine minutes into the third term of Gold Coast’s thrilling five-point victory over the Magpies.

With Ablett, Charlie Dixon (calf), Trent McKenzie (hamstring) and Sean Lemmens (concussion) all unavailable for most of the final quarter, the Suns somehow held on to claim a 11.14 (80) to 10.15 (75).

The gutsy win keeps the Suns inside the top eight for another week but the club will nervously await the results of scans on Ablett’s injured arm on Monday to find out how long they will be without their talisman.

A bad prognosis could also put paid to Ablett’s hopes of a record-equalling third Brownlow Medal.

The Suns’ skipper instantly called for attention after falling on his arm in a tackle by Magpie Brent Macaffer, immediately heading to the rooms for attention and not being seen again.

Down by 11 points at halftime, the Suns rallied to snatch a six-point lead at three-quarter time despite their injury toll and held on in the dying minutes to delight the 24,032 record crowd.

Sam Day kicked four majors for the home team while Dixon and Tom Lynch had two apiece.

The Magpies, who started by far the brighter of the two teams, finished with Travis Cloke (2), Ben Kennedy (2) and Clinton Young (2) kicking multiple goals.

But the visitors couldn’t overhaul the never-say-die Suns and are now level on points with the Suns and North Melbourne.