The Gold Coast SUNS have kicked off their 2016 AFL Premiership campaign well with 3-0, after overcoming Essendon, Fremantle and Carlton.
This weekend's QClash 11 between the Lions and SUNS can only be a true test - the Queensland rivals have played 10 times since the Suns entered the competition, with the Lions holding a 6-4 advantage.
And, while still in its early years, the QClash rivalry is certainly growing ten-fold as the Queensland sides fight to make some ground in their campaign and win the Qclash Cup.
“It’s a rivalry and it’s definitely growing,” Gold Coast’s Steven May said.
“There’s been a few times where we’ve been massive underdogs and got the win and same for them so regardless of how we start and how they start, it’s going to be nil-all when we come out to play this week.
“It’s at their home ground so they definitely have an advantage but our boys are going to be fired up and we have to approach them like we’re approaching Hawthorn or anyone else.”
Who to watch
In Round 3, the SUNS defeated Carlton by 54 points at Metricon Stadium with Tom Lynch and Jack Martin proving stand-outs for the Gold Coast side.
The boys contributed seven goals between them and Lynch went on record 22 disposals and 10 marks.
Alongside Gary Ablett, Aaron Hall was a stand-out in the midfield racking up a career-high 40 disposals and seven inside 50s.
SUNS Captain Gary Ablett ran without a tag and finished with 35 disposals, nine clearances and a team-high eight tackles.
Injury watch
The SUNS have a relatively small injury list with both Callum Ah Chee (illness) and Touk Miller (ankle sprain) both likely to return after missing Round 3.
“Both boys had a week off last week and will train tomorrow and also our main session Thursday and if they get through that with no issues then they should be available to play on Saturday,” said GM – Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft.
Gold Coast's backline is set to change with defenders Rory Thompson and Trent McKenzie both out.
McKenzie suffered a broken nose in the first quarter of last weekend’s match and Rory Thompson has been sidelined with an ankle injury.
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