If you thought the Battle of the Bridge and the Showdown were spicy, this year’s QClash is set to be LIT!
It’s big brother vs little brother, a battle as old as time, and there is plenty at stake.
So gear up as there is plenty to unpack in this week’s Match Preview.
Last Time We Met
Last time: Gold Coast SUNS 15.6 (96) d Brisbane Lions 7.13 (55), Round 20, 2023
The last time we went head-to-head with our neighbour down the M1, the SUNS were able to snap a nine-game losing streak against our boys with a 41-point upset at People First Stadium.
There was a few spot-fires throughout the night, with Miller and Dayne Zorko reacquainting themselves with some heated words while Miller also tussled with Lachie Neale as the Gold Coast leader had a run-with role on the Brownlow Medallist.
Safe to say it will be another fiery QClash when both teams step out onto the Gabba on Sunday night. There will be plenty of feeling in the stands as Lions fans hope to hear a few renditions of Country Roads.
Excited About
Bruce Reville DEBUT!
Bruuuuuuuuuuuccccceeeee!
Bruce Reville’s long-awaited dream of playing AFL will come true when the 23-year-old Papua New Guinean born midfielder runs out on Sunday night.
Reville’s story is one that somewhat resembles that of a typical Hollywood underdog movie, and fortunately for the academy product it includes triumph.
Reville, a silky mover with a penetrating kick, has spent a lot of his career playing through the midfield, though is a dangerous forward who can also play down back.
We can’t wait to see Brucey and his locks in the marron, blue, and gold.
Match-ups we're keen for
QClash there are sooooo many match-ups to watch we honestly can’t pick.
So, this week we left it to the wise words of resident AFL journo Michael ‘Fish’ Whiting. These were his thoughts:
Harris Andrews v Ben King
Perhaps this will be a head-to-head, perhaps not, with Jack Payne likely to take King if the Gold Coast spearhead plays out of the goal square. Last year King made it his priority to play defensively on Andrews, helping to draw him to the ball as he attempted to break a lean run of matches. King kicked five goals in Gold Coast's upset victory, and whether it's a direct match-up or not, whichever of these two pivotal players has a bigger influence will have a big say on the outcome of the game.
Matt Rowell v Josh Dunkley
Arguably the best inside midfielder in the competition in 2024 up against Brisbane's best defensive mid. Last year Dunkley went head-to-head with Rowell at the Gabba, keeping him to 18 disposals and more importantly just three clearances. Rowell is the engine that makes Gold Coast's midfield go, winning more clearances – including more out of the centre – than any player in the AFL. Dunkley has the defensive mindset and physicality to match the former No.1 draft pick, but can he do it for an entire match?
Ben Ainsworth v Linc McCarthy
This pair play identical roles for their teams – the high half-forward who runs themselves ragged, often for little reward. Both are power athletes, both mark the ball well overhead, both have penetrating right foot kicks, and both have a major role in connecting the midfield to the forward line. McCarthy has been Brisbane's best forward this season, averaging 14 disposals, six score involvements and kicking eight goals, while Ainsworth is averaging 15, five and kicked six goals.
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