BRISBANE Lions coach Michael Voss wants his players to continue walking the aggression tightrope in Saturday's Queensland Clash against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Voss said for too long the Lions had been the nice guys and he wanted them to develop a harder edge.

In Saturday night's narrow loss to St Kilda, on-baller Daniel Rich conceded a free kick for slinging Clint Jones into the fence, and although not condoning the action, Voss said he wanted his players to "walk the fine line as a competitor".

"For a long period of time we've probably walked too far on the other side of the line and we've got to find the line of what truly is combat," Voss said.

"You just hope you don't go over too often and get reported.

"As a competitor you've just got to find the line that works for you. I know without it, you'll never finish top four.

"You encourage your players to be able to play in a manner that is relentless in the way they approach the footy. We're trying to create ... that willingness to put your body on the line time and time again for the greater cause."

As a player, Voss was part of a Lions team renowned for its no-nonsense approach with Martin Pike, Chris and Brad Scott and current captain Jonathan Brown, among others, not shy of flexing their muscles.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Gold Coast counterpart Guy McKenna at Metricon Stadium on Monday morning, Voss said losing to the Suns last year still burnt.

He said it was crucial the 6-9 Lions finished the season strongly after showing steady improvement in the past six weeks.

"Certainly amongst the players there's a genuine want to finish the season strong," Voss said.

"Every time you get to sing the song it consolidates that extra bit of belief.

"I think Gold Coast have shown over the last couple of weeks exactly what talent they have got and if you're off that little bit, what happens.

"We're fully aware as a footy club what they're capable of."

McKenna said although breaking the duck against Richmond on Saturday would instil more confidence in the Suns, it meant nothing this weekend.

After winning the inaugural QClash by eight points, the Suns have been thumped in the past two meetings and looked flat on each occasion.

"Their form line is very good," McKenna said of the Lions.

"Their effort for most of the year has been very good. We understand ... it's going to be a hard, contested brand of footy. After a win, we're certainly a lot better placed to compete."

It will be the first time the teams have met at Metricon Stadium.

Michael Whiting covers Queensland AFL news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting