Ten years ago they bonded while walking the Kokoda Trail together, but on this Anzac Day Round, Chris Fagan and Stuart Dew will be opposing coaches for the first time.
Back in the pre-season of
On Sunday, with Fagan coaching Brisbane and Dew in charge of Gold Coast, the pair are out for Queensland bragging rights.
"There's a lot of time walking and talking on that track," Fagan said at a joint press conference from the Gabba's newest addition, The Verandah on Thursday.
"My respect for him as a footballer and person grew from that point.
"I've got a lot of time for Stuey.
"He knew a lot about the game and was a thinker on the game and could see it clearly, so it's no surprise he chose that (coaching) pathway."
Although it's just Round five, this contest is crucial for both clubs.
The Lions are fresh from a 93-point lesson from premier Richmond, while Gold Coast is back from 11 days in Perth that culminated in an 80-point drubbing from West Coast.
Neither team reviewed its match in any great detail, preferring to look ahead.
Brisbane
"I didn't understand it last year when I turned up, that was the first game I coached, and it became clearly apparent to me it means something to our boys," he said.
"I think that's the same in every state. When Adelaide plays Port Adelaide or Freo play West Coast, it's on … it's no different up here."
After winning his first two matches as a senior coach, Dew hit a roadblock in Perth, losing against both Fremantle and the Eagles.
He said the QClash was the perfect opportunity to right the ship and move to a 3-2 season record.
"It's like any two-team rivalry in a state," he said.
"I've seen the Adelaide and Port one from a playing point of view and GWS and Sydney (as an assistant coach).
"It always means a little bit more for supporters and members and the club and state in general and that's the exciting part I think.
"We can't wait for Sunday."
