Gold Coast have been here before.
On the cusp of the AFL's top eight, the Suns can change the narrative at the club in a defining fortnight against top-two sides Collingwood and Port Adelaide.
The Suns were 7-7 last year, just as they are in 2023, when they lost to the Power and Magpies by two and five points respectively before eventually finishing two wins shy of a maiden finals appearance.
"We've been presented this look a couple of times and haven't gone on with it," Suns key forward Ben King told AAP ahead of Saturday's home game against the Magpies.
"We know it's a big game this weekend and we'll do everything possible to perform."
King, Matt Rowell, Jack Lukosius, Noah Anderson and rookie Bailey Humphrey form the nucleus of a Suns side brimming with talent and, despite keen interstate interest, they remain committed to the club thanks to recent contract extensions.
"That's why we play footy, for games that really mean something," King said of the Suns' upcoming clashes.
"We don't read into what (critics) say about us, but it is a good opportunity to prove, more to ourselves than anything, we can play finals football and match it with anyone."
An impressive thumping of Hawthorn on Sunday cancelled out a horror loss to Carlton a week earlier, leaving the Suns outside the top-eight on percentage.
King kicked two quick third-quarter goals against the Hawks to break that game open, the cluster somewhat of a habit in his return this season from a long-term knee injury.
He's managed 33 goals and 15 behinds, kicking at least one goal in all 14 games.
"I'm not sure why it has tended to happen that way, but I take a bit of confidence knowing if I'm having a quiet game, that within five or so minutes I can put a couple on," he said of his penchant for kicking goals in short bursts.
"We've always sort of had the belief but this year our ability to bounce out of losses like Carlton just shows overall we still believe in what we're doing and don't get rattled."
The Magpies moved to 12-2 with another come-from-behind victory, this time over Adelaide, on the weekend.
The Suns believe they can meet the Magpies' level after going toe-to-toe with Melbourne in a tight loss and beating Geelong at home already this year.
"We've had a couple of close wins as well and feel like if we play our way we can go with anyone," King said.
