THE Brisbane Lions want to remind everyone Gold Coast does not have a mortgage on the young talent in south-east Queensland.
And they plan on doing so at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
For much of the pre-season and the opening two rounds, footy experts and punters alike have predicted the Suns to challenge for a top-eight spot with their abundance of talent under the age of 21.
But after two competitive losses against premiers Hawthorn and last season's preliminary finalists Geelong, the Lions have unearthed some young talent of their own.
The man at the head of that list, 19-year-old Sam Mayes, says it's about time people started realising the Suns were not the only ones with some ability in its junior ranks.
"We've got a young side as well," Mayes said at Monday morning's recovery session at South Bank.
"We've got a good core group of players around that 22, 23-year-old mark. They've (Suns) obviously got some good midfield depth and it's going to be an exciting game and we look forward to it."
Mayes was taken with pick No.8 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft and shows no sign of the second-year blues after a four-goal haul in Sunday's 25-point loss against the Cats.
Rookie coach Justin Leppitsch has shown he is not scared to play his youngsters, with James Aish (15 disposals and eight marks against Geelong), Lewis Taylor (19 and four clearances), Marco Paparone (10 and five tackles) and Michael Close all playing the first two matches.
The Lions played 16 players aged 25 and less against the Cats, with eight of those just 21 or under.
Inexperienced players not only make up the core of their list, but now also a large part of its quality.
Gold Coast's talent is obvious, with a raft of high draft picks handed its way to initially establish its list.
In Saturday night's 48-point loss against Fremantle they played 18 players aged 25 and less, and 10 aged 21 and under.
"They're a good side," Mayes said.
"They run well, and because they're young, they're quick and come at you. They've got good pressure. We'll look to hit them pretty hard this weekend.
"I have been lucky enough to win both (times against them). You always like to win and that's the main thing."
Despite the Lions' creditable showings in the opening fortnight, the bottom line is they are 0-2 and possibly going into a QClash for the first time as underdogs.
"It's obviously an important game for us now that we've lost the first two games of the season," Mayes said.
"It's an important one to win so we'll be going out all guns blazing this weekend."
Vice-captain Tom Rockliff will return from suspension to give the Lions a lift.
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting https://twitter.com/AFL_mikewhiting
