Collingwood vice-captain Brayden Maynard could be sent straight to the AFL Tribunal after making contact with an umpire while engaging in a bitter spat with an opponent during his team's six-point win over Gold Coast.

In a thrilling finish to Saturday's match at People First Stadium, Suns forward Ben Long kicked a goal with 24 seconds remaining to reduce the margin to a straight kick.

But Collingwood held firm in the next two stoppages, with superstar midfielder Nick Daicos winning a free kick for a high tackle to help the Magpies hold on for a 15.14 (104) to 15.8 (98) win.

Collingwood's third win in a row improved their season record to 8-1-7, while Gold Coast's sixth loss on the trot has left them struggling at 7-9.

But the biggest talking point out of the match was Maynard's brain-fade during his physical battle with Long.

The Gold Coast star became enemy No.1 among Collingwood players after flooring Maynard with a cheap shot just five seconds before halftime.

Maynard had been fronting up to Bailey Humphrey after a Suns goal when Long came in from the side to hit the Magpie defender in the ribs with a swinging arm.

The incident sparked a wild all-in melee, with shoes lost and the jumper of Collingwood defender Billy Frampton torn - all while Maynard lay crumpled on the turf in pain.

When Maynard was finally able to get to his feet in time for the next centre ball-up, he started mouthing off at Long, no doubt vowing revenge.

Seconds later the halftime siren sounded, with Maynard immediately sprinting across to Long to resume their battle.

Umpire Nick Brown could see the trouble coming and was standing in front of Long.

As Maynard rushed in, he placed two hands in Brown's back to nudge the umpire out of the way so that he could get to Long.

GWS captain Toby Greene was handed a six-match ban in 2021 for intentionally making contact with an umpire, and while that incident was more serious than Maynard's, the Magpies defender is also set to land in hot water.

"It could be the dumbest thing we've seen for the year," North Melbourne legend David King said in the Fox Sports coverage.

"The umpires are a no-go zone.

"This is irresponsible, and it's a month for me."

Maynard was left with several visible scratches on his neck and arms after the melees.

But Maynard and Long seemingly made peace after the match, with the pair sharing a warm embrace and a chat.

Maynard revelled in his tit-for-tat with Long.

"If you're going to come hit me cheaply, you're going to get something back," Maynard said after the match.

"It's all part of the game. I didn't mind it really. I think I might have a broken rib."

Collingwood coach Craig McRae said he didn't see Maynard's touch on the umpire, but he wasn't impressed by Long's cheap shot.

"I wasn't happy with a guy getting hit off the ball," McRae said.

Daicos, who finished with 30 disposals, eight clearances and one goal, praised Maynard for his efforts.

"He's our spiritual leader," Daicos said.

"Any time they go at him, we've got to stick up for him. He's the first bloke who sticks up for all of us."

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick was tight-lipped when asked about Long's hit on Maynard.

"I'm not going to comment on it, that's the AFL's job," Hardwick said.

Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury was ruled out before the match with a calf injury, but his replacement Angus Anderson made his presence felt with two first-half goals, including a checkside on the run in the second quarter.

Tim Membrey and Dan McStay kicked three goals apiece for Collingwood, while Ben King and Bailey Humphrey kicked three each for Gold Coast.