The budding rivalry between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast officially commenced last Saturday when the Lions Reserves faced their soon-to-be cross-town competitors for the first time in a QAFL practice match.
The match was played as a curtain raiser to the Lions' Round One senior match at the Gabba and proved an entertaining contest.
The Lions were keen to impress and shot out of the blocks early and despite resistance from the Gold Coast, seemed to be in control for the majority of the match.
However, the Lions weren't able to lay a knockout blow against the persistent Coast outfit, and ended up forfeiting a four-goal three-quarter time lead to eventually lose 10.15 (75) to 11.6 (72).
The Lions' early dominance was helped by dashing defender James Hawksley, who made a compelling case for a call-up to the seniors next week after a near best on ground performance.
James Polkinghorne won plenty of ball in the midfield and contributed two goals while rookie Josh Dyson led all Lions scorers with three majors.
Troy Selwood was the teams leading possession winner with 24 with Albert Proud and Aaron Cornelius not far behind with 23 apiece.
Another good sign for the Lions was the form of rookie listed ruckman and former Southport star Broc McCauley, who was clearly the best ruckman on the ground in his first official hitout with his new club.
The Gold Coast were well served by young West Australian Brandon Matera - the son of inaugural West Coast Eagles player Wally and nephew of Eagles great Peter - who showed the talent genes still run strongly in the family.
Sunshine Coast product and former Lions Reserves top-up player Alik Magin also showed plenty of verve for the Coast in the midfield.
The Lions have just five days to recover before Thursday afternoon's QAFL season opener against Mt Gravatt at the Gabba.
SCORES
Gold Coast 4.2 4.9 5.11 10.15 (75)
Brisbane Lions 4.5 6.5 11.5 11.6 (72)
GOALS - Brisbane: J Dyson 3, J Hawksley 2, J Polkinghorne 2, C Beams, T Collier, R Harwood, P Yagmoor. GCFC: L Patrick 2, B Matera 2, M Lock, L Shreeve, A Magin, C Dixon, J Hutchins, R Liddy.
BEST - Brisbane: J Hawksley, J Polkinghorne, T Selwood, J Dyson, A Cornelius, B McCauley. GCFC: B Matera, J Hutchins, T McKenzie, A Magin, T Hine, L Patrick.
