After nine straight defeats and the loss of its captain and best player to a knee injury, Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew is looking for positives ahead of his side’s upcoming match with North Melbourne.

Although the Suns went down to Collingwood at Metricon Stadium, a late rally avoided a blowout with the Pies eventual winners by 39 points.

"We did still turn the ball over but I think the heart that they showed, and I guess the passion for each other, was really there," Dew said.

"It’s a turning point for the footy club, I think the way they went about it. Now that was mid-quarter, which was pleasing as well because at times we've had to get to the break to regroup.

"After they kicked the first three goals in the third quarter, the response was impressive. Full credit to the players on that one.”

On the injury front, Gold Coast will be hoping to get Sam Day back this week after a shoulder injury kept him out of the game, Steven May managed to shrug off an ankle injury to play against the Magpies and Rory Thompson was passed fit despite hamstring issues.

North will have to work hard to keep Touk Miller, Jarryd Lyons and David Swallow quiet, with the trio all notching up 30-plus disposals.