The Brisbane Lions promised a fight against their more-fancied Suns rivals in QClash 12, and that's exactly what they delivered.

The youthful Lions outfit played on at every opportunity to turn the local derby into a shoot out, with a host of the Club's newest players giving fans plenty to be excited about despite the 26-point loss.

Midfielder Rhys Mathieson, playing just his fourth AFL game, was among the best for his team for the second match in a row - amassing 24 possessions, 10 of those contested, seven inside 50s and five clearances.

Sam Mayes' form revival continued with 21 disposals, five tackles and four inside 50s, while Eric Hipwood bagged four goals as the visitors staged a spirited fightback from 50 points down to get within three goals late in the third quarter.

It was the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy product's eighth goal in three games since debuting at the Gabba last month.

Harris Andrews - who swung forward with great effect in the second half, Jarrad Jansen, Dan McStay and Dan Rich all bagged two goals apiece as the Lions kicked their biggest score of the season.

Another Lions Academy product Reuben William showed plenty of poise and a fair dose of dash off halfback in his debut game, collecting 12 disposals and laying three tackles.

Efficiency going into their forward line ultimately cost the Lions, who had 28 scoring shots to the Suns' 29 and recorded nine more inside 50s (59-50) than the winners.

The class of Tom Lynch with five goals and the imposing presence of young giant Peter Wright, who also grabbed five majors, was the difference on the scoreboard in the end.

Touk Miller, who won the Marcus Ashcroft Medal with 27 disposals (14 contested) and 11 tackles and Dion Prestia (31 disposals, 8 tackles) were also influential.

GOLD COAST           6.2   12.4    17.4     22.7   (139)
BRISBANE LIONS    2.4     6.6    12.10   17.11   (113)           

GOALS
Gold Coast: Wright 5, Lynch 5, Matera 3, Davis 2, Ah Chee 2, Sexton 2, Ablett, Miller, Garlett
Brisbane Lions: Hipwood 4, McStay 2, Jansen 2, Andrews 2, Rich 2, Bewick, Green, Zorko, Schache, Lester 

BEST 
Gold Coast: Martin, Lynch, Miller, Wright, Prestia, Harbrow
Brisbane Lions: Mathieson, Mayes, Hipwood, Rockliff 

INJURIES 
Gold Coast: Rischitelli (knee), Ablett (shoulder)
Brisbane Lions: Gardiner (ankle) 

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Harris, Ryan, Wallace

Official crowd: 13,528 at Metricon Stadium

Watch Justin Leppitsch's Press Conference: