But after just two encounters, the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns have already developed a healthy competition for Queensland’s bragging rights.
The simmering tension was evident in the lead-up to QClash 1, and will no doubt reach boiling point at some stage in the future.
Lions.com.au takes look back at the matches played between the Lions and Suns last year, as we prepare for QClash 3 this Saturday night at the Gabba.
A WAR OF WORDS
Even before a ball had been bounced between the two sides, a war of words erupted triggered by Lions midfielder Simon Black who labelled former team-mates Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan ‘mercenaries’ for signing with the AFL’s new franchise.
Black’s comments certainly added some heat to the build-up, and prompted Suns coach Guy McKenna to publicly declare that his team were put on the Gold Coast to clean up the mess left by the Bears.
McKenna’s comments were later criticised by former Bears coach Robert Walls and others who helped establish Queensland's first team.
If nothing else, the public dialogue added plenty of interest in the initial contest - which ended up going the way of the Suns.
QCLASH 1
Gold Coast 18.16 (124) def Lions 17.14 (116)
Despite entering the match as overwhelming favourites, the Lions were ambushed by their ‘little brothers’ on their own home turf.
The Suns burst out of the blocks early to secure five-goal lead at half-time, before the Lions stormed home and looked like pulling off a come-from-behind win.
But Gold Coast steadied and secured only their second ever - and no doubt most satisfying - win by eight points.
QCLASH 2
Lions 18.15 (123) def Gold Coast 8.13 (61)
Still stung by their loss to the Suns earlier in the season, the Lions extracted revenge with a resounding 10-goal victory in Round 21 at the Gabba.
The win was set up following a five goal to one first term, with the Lions never really troubled for the remainder of the match.
The QClash Cup was returned where it belonged at the Gabba.
MARCUS ASHCROFT MEDAL
The Marcus Ashcroft Medal - named after the former 318-game Brisbane Lions triple Premiership player - is awarded to the player judged best on ground in the QClashes.
The recipient in QClash 1 was Suns midfielder Jared Brennan, who tore his former team apart with 30 disposals and countless clearances. Brennan proved a unanimous winner, although Suns pair Michael Rischitelli and Nathan Krakouer weren’t far behind.
Had the Lions stolen victory, the Medal would have liken gone to either Daniel Rich (26 disposals and three goals) or Ash McGrath (six goals) who were arguably their team’s standouts.
On the return meeting, Simon Black proved unstoppable and was duly awarded one of the few honours that didn’t already adorn his trophy cabinet.
Black collected 31 disposals to be the dominant midfielder on the field. His only real competition for the Medal came from ruckman Matthew Leuenberger who was clearly the best big man on the field.
Unfortunately for the Lions, both Black and Leuenberger will be sidelined when the two teams meet this Saturday night.
Marcus Ashcroft Medallists
QClash 1 - Jared Brennan (Suns)
QClash 2 - Simon Black (Lions)
SHARPSHOOTERS
Ash McGrath’s haul of six goals in QClash 1 remains the biggest single individual tally in a match between the Lions and Suns.
McGrath also maintains the honour as having kicked more goals in QClashes than any other player.
Not far behind him is former Suns forward Nathan Krakouer who proved the match-winner in QClash 1 with five goals. Krakouer, however, won’t be part of QClash 3 after departing the Suns during the off-season.
Livewire Lions forward Todd Banfield and former team-mate Mitch Clark are next best with four - after both booted two goals in each of their first two QClashes.
Most QClash Goals
6 - Ash McGrath (Lions)
5 - Nathan Krakouer (Suns)
4 - Todd Banfield (Lions)
4 - Mitch Clark (Lions)
3 - Daniel Rich (Lions)
3 - James Polkinghorne (Lions)
3 - Matt Shaw (Suns)
SIDELINED
The Brisbane Lions head into QClash 3 with the most notable absentees from their side.
Both Simon Black (hand) and Matthew Leuenberger (achilles) - who were instrumental in bringing the QClash Cup back to Brisbane late last year - will miss this Saturday night’s match.
Like every other match throughout his decorated career, Black has been supremely consistent in his two QClashes - collecting 31 disposals on both occasions.
Among the Suns who might require more time in the medical room are Campbell Brown (adductor) and Danny Stanley (Quad). While Stanley is still yet to play in 2012, Brown is expected to be available to take his place in the team for QClash 3.
QCLASH DEBUTS
The most significant QClash debutant will be inspirational Lions skipper Jonathan Brown, who will line-up for the first time in an official match against the Suns this Saturday night.
Brown missed both matches against the Suns in 2011 with separate facial fractures, and is primed for his first cross-Queensland clash.
With Leuenberger missing, the Lions are also likely to have a new-look ruck division consisting of recruits Ben Hudson and Billy Longer - neither who have played in a QClash before.
Former Melbourne defender Matthew Warnock is expected play his first QClash since moving north during last year’s trade period. Warnock’s could be the man entrusted with the the tough assignment of trying to stop Brown.
THE ABLETT EFFECT
You can’t discuss the Suns without mentioning their Captain Gary Ablett who is arguably the competition’s best player.
Ablett is in white hot form having amassed 40 disposals or more in each of his last four senior AFL games.
However, Ablett has averaged ‘just’ 24 disposals across his first two QClashes - which is a relatively modest return by his standards. The ‘Little Master’ has still been among the Suns’ best players in both of his outings against the Lions.
Whichever Lions player/s get the job on Ablett, they will no doubt be in for a tough night.
