Gold Coast have surged into the AFL top eight after toppling high-flying Essendon in an 11-point thriller to continue their unbeaten run at People First Stadium.

The Suns (7-5) have replaced reigning premiers Collingwood in eighth spot after inflicting the second-placed Bombers with their first defeat since round four.

Gold Coast were pushed all the way by the inaccurate Bombers, with co-captain Touk Miller sealing the 14.7 (91) to 11.14 (80) win by slotting a goal with 90 seconds left.

Miller was awarded a free kick about 60m from the Suns' goal, but Essendon defender Jayden Laverde conceded a 50m penalty to make it a certainty for the star Gold Coast midfielder.

The Suns seemed to be cruising when they led by 21 points during the third quarter.

But Essendon charged back to level the scores early in the last term.

Gold Coast kicked three straight goals through Ben Long, Jack Lukosius and Tom Berry to pull away again.

But Nik Cox and Matt Guelfi's goals gave the Bombers an opportunity to break Gold Coast hearts, until the Suns showed resilience rarely seen in the club's 14-year history.

Essendon skipper Zach Merrett (33 possessions, seven clearances) did everything to try and will his team over the line, blitzing the early stages of the final quarter.

Suns midfielder Noah Anderson responded from a quiet outing against Carlton last week to star with 33 touches and eight clearances.

AAP