The greatest AFL rivalries are generally built over time between two sides with a shared history.

But after four 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 previous matches played between the Lions and Suns, as we prepare for QClash 5 this Saturday at Metricon Stadium.

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.

The jibes haven’t been limited to words either, with the Suns publicly defacing a photo of Lions midfielder Daniel Rich which appeared both on their website and on a billboard near Metricon Stadium.

The incident led Rich’s teammate Jack Redden to say “the kids can do their finger paintings and the men will play footy this weekend”.

If nothing else, the public dialogue has added plenty of interest in the bubbling rivalry between Queensland’s two AFL sides.

QCLASH 1

Gold Coast 18.16 (124) def Brisbane 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.

Brownlow Votes: 3 – J. Brennan (GC), 2 – M. Rischitelli (GC), 1 – B. Matera (GC)

QCLASH 2

Brisbane 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.

Brownlow Votes: 3 – S. Black (BL), 2 – M. Leuenberger (BL), 1 – N. Bock (GC)

QCLASH 3

Brisbane Lions 17.9 (111) def Gold Coast 6.10 (46)

Buoyed by Simon Black’s earlier-than-expected return from a broken hand and the senior AFL debut of 18 year-old rookie Jack Crisp, the Lions booted 10 goals to one in a dominant second half to run out 65-point victors.

The second half onslaught was set-up in the middle with Black and Tom Rockliff finding plenty of the ball, while Aaron Cornelius proved the most dangerous forward on the field with a game-high four goals and 10 marks.

Captain Jonathan Brown also chimed in with three second half goals – the second of which helped him become only the fourth player in Club history to kick 500 AFL goals.

The win meant that the QClash Cup would remain at the Gabba for at least a little longer.

Brownlow Votes: 3 – T. Rockliff (BL), 2 – S. Black (BL), 1 – P. Hanley (BL)

QCLASH 4

Brisbane Lions 8.11 (59) def Gold Coast 5.18 (48)

It might not have been pretty, but the Lions made it three-in-a-row against the Suns in the first ever QClash played at Metricon Stadium.

In slippery conditions, the Lions kicked the opening three goals of the game and looked in control at quarter time, before the Suns started to gain the ascendency.

Inaccuracy – both in front of goals and in general play – plagued both sides, with the Suns managing five goals 18 for the match.

Eight of the Suns’ behinds came in a frenetic final term – some of which were ‘gettable’ shots which could have ultimately cost them the match.

In the end, the Lions prevailed by 11 points thanks to a late sealer from Tom Rockliff.

It was the Lions’ lowest ever winning score, and the second time a QClash had been decided by two goals or less.

Brownlow Votes: 3 – G. Ablett (GC), 2 – B. Hudson (BL), 1 – S. Black (BL)

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 likely 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.

Tom Rockliff became the third recipient of the Medal following his 37-disposal and two-goal performance in QClash 3.

Rockliff received the honour ahead of Simon Black (30 disposals) and Aaron Cornelius (four goals) who were probably the next best candidates.

Gary Ablett became the first recipient of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal from a losing side in QClash 4, after proving a clear standout.

Ablett collected a game-high 37 disposals and eight tackles for a mammoth total of 143 Champion Data ranking points – 30 more than the next best player.

While the Suns’ Captain was a clear choice for the honour, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff and Daniel Merrett were probably the Lions’ leading candidates.  

Marcus Ashcroft Medallists
QClash 1 - Jared Brennan (Suns)
QClash 2 - Simon Black (Lions)
QClash 3 – Tom Rockliff (Lions)
QClash 4 – Gary Ablett (Suns)

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 shares the honour of having kicked the most goals in QClash history with teammate Daniel Rich.

Most QClash Goals
6 - Ash McGrath (Lions)
6 - Daniel Rich (Lions)
5 - Todd Banfield (Lions)
5 - Nathan Krakouer (Suns)
5 - Harley Bennell (Suns)
5 - Aaron Cornelius (Lions)

MISSING IN ACTION

Simon Black has received more Brownlow Medal votes in QClashes than any other player – polling in each of the previous three meetings for a total of six votes.

However, Black will be sidelined for this weekend’s match as he recovers from pre-season knee surgery, while Matt Maguire is a chance to return from a calf injury.

Gold Coast will still be without Nathan Bock who is rehabilitating from last year’s broken leg, although Danny Stanley (groin) and Tom Lynch (ankle) could be available.

PRE SEASON

The Lions and Suns have already met once in 2013 – during the opening round of the NAB Cup pre-season competition.

The Lions won by 33 points at Metricon Stadium, with Mitch Golby, James Polkinghorne and Tom Rockliff the most prolific players, while newcomer Brent Moloney and Dayne Zorko each booted nine-point supergoals.

NEW FACES

Both sides have recruited some experience during the off-season, with the Lions adding Brent Moloney (from Melbourne) and Stefan Martin (Melbourne), and Gold Coast recruiting Greg Broughton (Fremantle) and Tom Murphy (Hawthorn).

Gold Coast young gun Jaeger O’Meara has also made an immediate impact at AFL level, with an impressive 25-possession effort against reigning Premiers Sydney last weekend.