The Suns and Lions are set to add another chapter to a fiery rivalry when they face off in the latest instalment of the QClash.
Gold Coast (9-9, 103%) were unable to achieve an elusive victory on the road last week against the Giants but will look to get back to winnings ways at People Choice Stadium, a venue they are undefeated at this season.
Brisbane (11-6-1, 119%) are red-hot right now, having won their past seven matches in 2024 as they continue their surge up the ladder into the top four.
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Gold Coast welcome back co-captain Jarrod Witts and livewire small forwards Thomas Berry and Malcolm Rosas, omitting a trio of players including Alex Sexton, Connor Budarick and Jed Walter.
Brisbane’s key defensive stocks have taken a massive hit with the loss of co-captain Harris Andrews (concussion) and former Saint Darragh Joyce (jaw).
Jaxon Prior and Connor McKenna are included as replacements, while forward Logan Morris will also return, with the Lions likely to throw a key forward into defence as coach Chris Fagan pieces together a makeshift backline.
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There have been no late changes for the clash at People First Stadium, with Thomas Berry (Suns) and Conor McKenna (Lions) the respective substitutes.
Charlie Cameron opened proceedings for the cross-town rivalry, dashing away with a couple of bounces before kicking truly on the run.
“By the looks of things, they’re (Brisbane) finals bound … if they win this game this afternoon, they’ll be up to second – the highest ladder position they’ve had all year,” Dwayne Russell said on Fox Footy’s live coverage.
Hugh McCluggage kicked the Lions’ second, before Ben Long finally kicked Gold Coast’s first after four minor scores.
Veteran Dayne Zorko started where he left off from his last clash against the Suns with seven disposals inside the first eight-and-a-half minutes of the first quarter.
“Zorko off the ground at the moment, he’s probably getting treatment for leather poisoning,” Melbourne Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy joked in the commentary box.
A 50 metre penalty to forward Nick Holman put the 29-year-old within striking distance on the set shot, and gave the Suns the lead after six behinds from eight shots on goal.
The Lions held a two-point lead at the first break, with the score reading: Gold Coast 2.6 (18) trailing Brisbane 3.2 (20).
McCluggage (eight disposals, five marks, one goal) and Zorko (11 disposals, five marks, three intercept possessions) were the best for the visitors.
For the Suns, Mac Andrew had eight disposals, five marks and five intercept possessions.
“Brisbane are moving the ball quite well, but they’re losing a handle on it; particularly in that last kick (inside 50),” Healy said at quarter time.
Suns skipper Jarrod Witts converted the first of the quarter from a snap, before Cam Rayner snapped truly on his left foot not long after 30 metres out straight in front.
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Source Agencies
